Doxorubicin
Say it: dox-oh-ROO-bih-sin · Brand names: Adriamycin
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Doxorubicin slips into the genetic code (DNA) of the cell. It blocks a protein the cell needs to copy its DNA. The cancer cell cannot divide and dies.
Often used for
- breast cancer
- lymphoma
- leukemia
- sarcoma (bone and soft tissue cancer)
- bladder cancer
- ovarian cancer
- and some other cancers
How you get it
Doxorubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion is usually short, from a few minutes to under an hour. It is often given once every 2 to 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Hair loss. It often starts 2 to 3 weeks after the first dose. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Red or pink pee for a day or two. This is the medicine color and is not blood.
- 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.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
- Darker skin or nails. Protect your skin from the sun.
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)
- 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
- Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you
- 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 had radiation to the chest
- If you have liver problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- It can weaken the heart muscle. You will have a heart test, such as an echocardiogram, before and sometimes during treatment.
- There is a limit to how much you can get over your lifetime because of heart risk.
- 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.
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
Questions to ask
- Will I need heart tests, and how often?
- How many doses will I get in total?
- What can I do about hair loss?
- Do I need to take any care with body fluids at home?
Part of these treatment plans
- AAVD
- ABVD
- AC and dose-dense AC
- AIM
- BV-CHP
- C10403 (CALGB 10403)
- DA-EPOCH-R
- Dose-dense MVAC
- Hyper-CVAD
- R-CHOP
- VAC/IE
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Doxorubicin?
- Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of cancer cells so they cannot grow. Brand names: Adriamycin.
- What is Doxorubicin used for?
- breast cancer; lymphoma; leukemia; sarcoma (bone and soft tissue cancer); bladder cancer; ovarian cancer; and some other cancers.
- How is Doxorubicin given?
- Doxorubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion is usually short, from a few minutes to under an hour. It is often given once every 2 to 3 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Doxorubicin?
- Hair loss. Red or pink pee for a day or two. Upset stomach or throwing up. Mouth sores. Feeling tired. Low blood counts. Darker skin or nails.
- When should I call my care team while taking Doxorubicin?
- 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); 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; Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you; Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.
- Which chemotherapy plans include Doxorubicin?
- AAVD, ABVD, AC and dose-dense AC, AIM, BV-CHP, C10403 (CALGB 10403), DA-EPOCH-R, Dose-dense MVAC, Hyper-CVAD, R-CHOP, VAC/IE.
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.