Epirubicin

Epirubicin is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat breast cancer after surgical removal of cancerous tumors. This medication works by slowing the growth of cancer cells in the breast so that cancer doesn’t spread.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication causes severe irritation if it comes in contact with body tissues. For this reason, it should only be administered into veins, not muscles. Even if it is administered properly, however, there’s a risk that the medication may leak into surrounding tissues, causing severe irritation, blisters and sores around the injection site.

Epirubicin can also cause serious or life-threatening heart problems without advanced warning. The medication can cause heart problems anytime during treatment or after treatment ends. Doctors should perform regular EKGs on patients taking this drug to check heart function.