![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 124px 36px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 22px 22px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24px 24px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Epirubicin
INFORMATION ABOUT EPIRUBICIN
Epirubicin Uses
Epirubicin is used in the treatment of cancer, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, cancer of head and neck, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, testicular cancer, small cell lung cancer, Wilms' tumor, bone cancer, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, blood cancer, skin cancer, cancer of mouth, nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses, larynx, oesophagus, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and Ewing's sarcoma.
How Epirubicin works
Epirubicin is an anti-cancer medication. It works by suppressing the activity of an enzyme (topoisomerase II) involved in DNA multiplication of the breast cancer cells. It also forms harmful chemicals (free radicals) which cause DNA damage. This slows the growth of breast cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Common side effects of Epirubicin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Nausea, Low blood platelets, Hair loss, Absence of menstrual periods, Fever, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Diarrhea, Decreased white blood cell count (neutrophils), Weight loss, Hot flashes, Gastrointestinal inflammation, Rash
CONTENT DETAILS
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 48 48"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=small}
Written By
Dr. Anuj Saini
MMST, MBBS
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
28 Mar 2025 | 06:00 AM (UTC)
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 90px 75px"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We provide you with authentic, trustworthy and revelant information
Read our editorial policy
Medicine brands for Epirubicin
Expert advice for Epirubicin
- Epirubicin is used alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of various types of cancers.
- It is given through a drip into a vein (intravenous infusion) by a doctor or nurse.
- It may make you feel tired or sleepy. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells, liver, and heart function during treatment with this medicine.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat or rash.
Frequently asked questions for Epirubicin
Yes, Epirubicin is a vesicant; it may cause tissue blistering if it leaks out of the vein.
Epirubicin is effective in the treatment of various cancers including cancer of the breast, ovary, stomach, lung, bowel or rectum, malignant lymphomas (a type of blood cancer of infection-fighting cells of the blood) such as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia (blood cancer), multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer of infection-fighting cells of the blood). It may be used in bladder cancers and to prevent reoccurrence of bladder cancer after surgery. It effectively slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body.