Indications and Usage

Daunorubicin is FDA approved for use in combination with other approved anticancer drugs for remission induction in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (myelogenous, monocytic, erythroid) of adults and for remission induction in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of children and adults. Daunorubicin causes urine to turn reddish in color, which may stain clothes. This is not blood. It is perfectly normal and lasts for only 1 or 2 days after each dose is given. This medicine often causes a temporary and total loss of hair. After treatment with daunorubicin has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Side effects needing medical attention

If daunorubicin accidentally seeps out of the vein, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Your healthcare provider should be notified if redness, pain, or swelling is noticed at the IV site. Also requiring attention are irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of feet and lower legs; fever; chills; sore throat; sores in mouth and on lips; side or stomach pains; joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; itching; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stool; cough or hoarseness; lower back pain; painful or difficult urination; pinhead-sized red spots on skin or rash; nausea or vomiting (mild); darkening or redness of the skin; diarrhea.

Side effects needing medical attention after stopping this medication

Decreased heart function; shortness of breath; swelling of the feet and lower legs.

For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.