Epirubicin
Say it: ep-ih-ROO-bih-sin · Brand names: Ellence
Epirubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of cancer cells so they cannot grow.
What it is
Epirubicin 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, after surgery, when cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
How you get it
Epirubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes a few minutes to under an hour. It is often given once every 3 to 4 weeks with other chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- 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.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Red or pink pee for a day or two. This is the medicine color and is not blood.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
- Missed or stopped periods. Ask your team what this means for you.
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 or kidney 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?
- How many doses will I get?
- Will this affect my chance of having children?
- What can I do about nausea?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Epirubicin?
- Epirubicin is a chemotherapy medicine that damages the genes of cancer cells so they cannot grow. Brand names: Ellence.
- What is Epirubicin used for?
- breast cancer, after surgery, when cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- How is Epirubicin given?
- Epirubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes a few minutes to under an hour. It is often given once every 3 to 4 weeks with other chemotherapy. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Epirubicin?
- Hair loss. Upset stomach or throwing up. Mouth sores. Feeling tired. Red or pink pee for a day or two. Low blood counts. Missed or stopped periods.
- When should I call my care team while taking Epirubicin?
- 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.
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.