Liposomal doxorubicin
Say it: LY-poh-SOH-mul dox-oh-ROO-bih-sin · Brand names: Doxil
Liposomal doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine wrapped in tiny fat bubbles that damages the genes of cancer cells.
What it is
This medicine is doxorubicin packed inside tiny fat bubbles called liposomes. The bubbles help the medicine stay in the body longer. It blocks cancer cells from copying their genes, so they die.
Often used for
- ovarian cancer
- multiple myeloma
- Kaposi sarcoma in people with HIV
How you get it
Liposomal doxorubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The first infusion is given slowly, and later ones take about 1 hour. It is often given once every 3 to 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Red, sore, or peeling skin on the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome). Avoid heat, tight shoes, and rubbing.
- Mouth sores. Rinse often with a mild salt water or baking soda rinse.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Upset stomach. Eat small meals and take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
- Red or orange pee for a day or two. This is the medicine color.
- Rash. Use gentle soap and lotion.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Flushing, chest tightness, back pain, or trouble breathing during the infusion
- Blisters, open sores, or bad pain on your hands or feet
- Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat
- Mouth sores so bad you cannot eat or drink
- Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you
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 cause a reaction during the infusion. Your nurse will start it slowly and watch you.
- It can weaken the heart muscle. You will have a heart test, such as an echocardiogram, before and sometimes during treatment.
- Your team may delay a dose or lower it if hand and foot skin changes get bad.
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
- It is not the same as regular doxorubicin and cannot be swapped for it.
Questions to ask
- How can I prevent hand and foot skin problems?
- Will I need heart tests?
- How often will I get this medicine?
- What should I do if my mouth gets sore?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mouth sores
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
- Hand-foot syndrome
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Liposomal doxorubicin?
- Liposomal doxorubicin is a chemotherapy medicine wrapped in tiny fat bubbles that damages the genes of cancer cells. Brand names: Doxil.
- What is Liposomal doxorubicin used for?
- ovarian cancer; multiple myeloma; Kaposi sarcoma in people with HIV.
- How is Liposomal doxorubicin given?
- Liposomal doxorubicin is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The first infusion is given slowly, and later ones take about 1 hour. It is often given once every 3 to 4 weeks. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Liposomal doxorubicin?
- Red, sore, or peeling skin on the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome). Mouth sores. Feeling tired. Upset stomach. Low blood counts. Red or orange pee for a day or two. Rash.
- When should I call my care team while taking Liposomal doxorubicin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Flushing, chest tightness, back pain, or trouble breathing during the infusion; Blisters, open sores, or bad pain on your hands or feet; Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, or a fast or uneven heartbeat; Mouth sores so bad you cannot eat or drink; Bleeding or bruising that is unusual for you.
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.