Daunorubicin
Say it: daw-noh-ROO-bih-sin
Daunorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of leukemia cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Daunorubicin slips into the genetic code (DNA) of the cell. It blocks a protein the cell needs to copy its DNA. The leukemia cell cannot divide and dies.
Often used for
- acute myeloid leukemia
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
How you get it
Daunorubicin is given through a vein (IV), usually in the hospital. It is often given once a day for a few days in a row, along with other chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Very low blood counts for a few weeks. You may need blood or platelet transfusions.
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Upset stomach or throwing up. Take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Mouth sores. Rinse often with a mild salt water or baking soda rinse.
- Red or pink pee for a day or two. This is the medicine color and is not blood.
- Feeling very tired. Rest as much as you need.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection)
- Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you
- Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat
- Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in
- Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you have heart problems or have had medicines like doxorubicin before
- If you have liver or kidney problems
- If you have had radiation to the chest
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- Your blood counts will drop very low. Your team will check your blood every day or almost every day.
- It can weaken the heart muscle. You will have a heart test, such as an echocardiogram, before and sometimes during treatment.
- It can badly hurt the skin if it leaks out of the vein. Tell your nurse right away if the IV site burns or hurts.
- Rarely, years later, it can cause a new blood cancer, such as leukemia.
Questions to ask
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- Will I need blood transfusions?
- Will I need heart tests?
- How do I protect myself from infection when I go home?
Part of these treatment plans
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Daunorubicin?
- Daunorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of leukemia cells so they cannot grow.
- What is Daunorubicin used for?
- acute myeloid leukemia; acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- How is Daunorubicin given?
- Daunorubicin is given through a vein (IV), usually in the hospital. It is often given once a day for a few days in a row, along with other chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Daunorubicin?
- Very low blood counts for a few weeks. Hair loss. Upset stomach or throwing up. Mouth sores. Red or pink pee for a day or two. Feeling very tired.
- When should I call my care team while taking Daunorubicin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Chills, a sore throat, a cough, or burning when you pee (signs of infection); Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you; Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat; Pain, redness, swelling, or burning where the IV went in; Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Daunorubicin?
- 7+3, C10403 (CALGB 10403).
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.