Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Fast or irregular heartbeat
pain at place of injection
shortness of breath
swelling of feet and lower legs
Rare
Black, tarry stools
blood in urine
pinpoint red spots on skin
unusual bleeding or bruising
wheezing
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Sores in mouth and on lips
Less common
Cough or hoarseness accompanied by fever or chills
darkening or redness of skin (if you recently had radiation treatment)
fever or chills
joint pain
lower back or side pain accompanied by fever or chills
painful or difficult urination accompanied by fever or chills
red streaks along injected vein
stomach pain
Rare
Skin rash or itching
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Nausea and vomiting
Less common
Darkening of soles, palms, or nails
diarrhea
Doxorubicin causes the urine to turn reddish in color, which may stain clothes. This is not blood. It is to be expected and only lasts for 1 or 2 days after each dose is given.
This medicine often causes a temporary and total loss of hair. After treatment with doxorubicin has ended, normal hair growth should return.
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
Fast or irregular heartbeat
shortness of breath
swelling of feet and lower legs