DAUNORUBICIN

Derived through a chemical semisynthesis from a bacterial genus,Daunorubicin is apegylated (polyethylene glycol coated) liposome and an anthracyclineantitumor antibiotic. Used in the treatment of particular types of cancer, Daunorubicin known by its brand name of daunomycincerubidineis used as a combination therapy with other chemotherapy agents to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) is normally administered as an intravenous infusion in a rapid manner. With its brand names being Cerubidine, Daunorrubicina, Daunorubicine, DaunoXome,  the IUPAC name is (7S,9S)-9-acetyl-7-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-6,9,11-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-8,10-dihydro-7H-tetracene-5,12-dione. Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) is available in a powder form for solution and as a suspension.

Some of the possible side effects while taking Cerubidinemay manifest as:
Urine may change color to pink, orange, red-brown or red
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain at the site of the injection (intravenous)
Hair loss
Mouth ulcers
Short-lived changes in heart rhythm
Infertility problems
Diarrhea
Darkening of skin at radiation site
Darkened or discolored nail beds
Skin rash
Lowering of platelet count
Fever
Nose, gum bleeds and tarry stools
Abdominal pain
Breathing problems

Important precautions to be taken while under Daunorubicin (Cerubidine)treatment:
The doctor should be informed if the patient is taking any other medications. Immunizations and vaccinations should not be taken including medication that contains aspirin. Pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid taking Daunorubicin while pregnancy should not be planned during this time. Sun exposure should be avoided as patients taking Daunorubicin(Cerubidine) will be more sensitive during this period. Water should be ingested in large quantities while underDaunorubicin treatment and ice can be applied to reduce pain and swelling at injection site. Moving in a crowd or with people who have fever, colds and coughs should be avoided. Hands should be washed often and a soft toothbrush should be used to avoid bleeding. It is necessary to use an electric razor to protect the facial skin. The mouth should be rinsed thrice a day with baking soda or salt to prevent mouth ulcers. The patient should get plenty of rest while avoiding or minimizing alcohol. Patients who have had congestive heart failure or who have already undergone high doses of Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) should not repeat this treatment. Good nutrition should be maintained.

Indications: 
Daunorubicinis used in the treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) in adults and in the case of remission induction in acute lymphocytic leukemia in adults and children.

Dosage:
Daunorubicin (Cerubidine) is available as Injection, powder for reconstitution in dosages of 20 mg and 50 mg. The injection, solution is available for administration in 5 mg/mL (4 mL, 10 mL) dosages. The dosage for children (ALL combination therapy) for Remission induction is 25-45 mg/m2to be given on Day 1 every week as30-45 mg/m2/day for 3 days or in 4 cycles. The AML combination therapy for Induction: I.V. is a continuous infusion to be given as 30-60 mg/m2/day on 1-3 days of cycle. The dosage for children aged 2 years should be 0.5 m2 of Daunorubicinand should be based on with the frequency depending on the prescribed regimen.