What is epirubicin and cyclophosphamide?

EC is a combination of two chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. It takes its name from the initials of these drugs: Epirubicin. Cyclophosphamide.

What type of chemo is epirubicin?

Epirubicin belongs to a group of chemotherapy drugs called anthracyclines. They damage the DNA (genetic code) in cancer cells. This stops the cancer cells from dividing or growing.

Why is epirubicin used?

Epirubicin is used in combination with other medications to treat breast cancer in patients who have had surgery to remove the tumor. Epirubicin is in a class of medications called anthracyclines. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in your body.

How toxic is epirubicin?

Acute overdose with epirubicin will result in severe myelosuppression (within 10 – 14 days; mainly leukopenia and thrombocytopenia), gastrointestinal toxic effects (mainly mucositis) and acute cardiac complications (within 24 hours).

Will I lose my hair on cyclophosphamide?

Hair loss: Temporary – usually begins 3-6 weeks after the start of therapy. Hair will grow back after treatment is completed although the color and/or texture may be different. Nausea and vomiting: more common with larger doses, usually beginning 6-10 hours after therapy.

Is epirubicin hydrochloride a cytotoxic?

DESCRIPTION Epirubicin Hydrochloride for Injection is an anthracycline cytotoxic agent, intended for intravenous administration. Epirubicin Hydrochloride for Injection is supplied as a sterile, orange-red, lyophilized powder in single-dose vials containing 50 mg or 200 mg of epirubicin hydrochloride.

How do you administer epirubicin hydrochloride injection?

Epirubicin Hydrochloride Injection can be used in combination with other antitumor agents, but do not mix with other drugs in the same syringe. Administer Epirubicin Hydrochloride Injection into the tubing of a freely flowing intravenous infusion (0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose solution).

How do you reconstitute cyclophosphamide?

Reconstitution of Cyclophosphamide: Reconstitute Cyclophosphamide using 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP or Sterile Water for Injection, USP with the volume of diluent listed below in Table 2. Add the diluent to the vial and gently swirl to dissolve the drug completely.

What is the maximum dose of epirubicin for breast cancer?

In the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, the maximum cumulative dose used in clinical trials was 720 mg/m2. The risk of developing CHF increases rapidly with increasing total cumulative doses of epirubicin in excess of 900 mg/m2; this cumulative dose should only be exceeded with extreme caution.