Idarubicin
Written By Dr. Anuj Saini
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 23 May 2025 | 07:19 PM (UTC)
Idarubicin Uses
Idarubicin is used in the treatment of sickle cell anemia, prostate cancer, blood cancer (acute lymphocytic leukemia), soft tissue sarcoma and Hodgkin’s disease.
How Idarubicin works
Idarubicin is an anti-cancer medication. It works by suppressing the activity of an enzyme (topoisomerase II) involved in DNA multiplication of the cancer cells. It also forms harmful chemicals (free radicals) which cause DNA damage. This slows the growth of cancer cells and eventually kills them.
Common side effects of Idarubicin
Nausea, Vomiting, Hair loss, Fever, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Infection, Myelosuppression, Hemorrhage, Increased bilirubin in the blood, Increased transaminase level in blood
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Expert advice for Idarubicin
- Idarubicin should be taken with or without food but at the same time every day.
- Do not skip any dose and complete the course as suggested by your doctor.
- Use an effective method of birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood uric level, liver function, blood cell count in your blood.
- Inform your doctor if you experience dizziness, fever, shortness of breath and itchy rash.
Frequently asked questions for Idarubicin
Idarubicin can cause inflammation of the vein in which it is administered; and irritation and ulceration of surrounding tissue, if leakage occurs at the site of intravenous administration.
Idarubicin is used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in combination with other medications and breast cancer in advance stage after failure with other medications.
Idarubicin acts by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.