Updated May 30, 2026, 4:23 PM
Antineoplastic, antibioticUS FDA Database Verified

IDArubicin (Rx)

Generic: IDArubicin

Brand: Idamycin PFS

(eye-da-roo'bi-sin)

Pregnancy Category: D

Pharmacological Action

Not cell cycle specific; topoisomerase II inhibitor, a vesicant; intercalating between DNA base pairs, causing shape change, low free radicals

Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapidly growing malignant cells

Uses

Used in combination with other antineoplastics for acute myelocytic leukemia in adults Unlabeled uses: Breast cancer, liquid tumors

Contraindications

Pregnancy D, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity

BLACK BOX WARNING: Myelosuppression, bilirubin >5 mg/dl

Precautions: Children, gout, bone marrow depression, preexisting CV disease

BLACK BOX WARNING: Renal/hepatic disease, heart failure

Dosage & Routes

Adult: IV 8-12 mg/m2/day × 3 days in combination with cytarabine (induction) Renal/hepatic dose

Adult: IV if bilirubin is 2.5-5 mg/dl, give 50% of dose; if bilirubin >5 mg/dl, do not use; if CCr >2.5 mg/dl, reduce dose

Available forms: Inj 1 mg/ml

Implementation - Store at room temp for 3 days after reconstituting or for 7 days refrigerated IV route - Avoid contact with skin; very irritating; wash completely to remove - Administer antiemetic 30-60 min before giving product and prn to prevent vomiting; administer antibiotics for prophylaxis of infection Intermittent IV infusion route - Product should be prepared by experienced personnel using proper precautions (biological cabinet, wearing gown, gloves, mask) - Do not give IM/subcut - Give after reconstituting 5-mg vial with 5 ml of 0.9% NaCl (1 mg/1 ml); give over 10-15 min through Y-tube or 3-way stopcock of inf of D5 or 0.9% NaCl; discard unused portion - Apply ice compress after stopping infusion (extravasation)

Adverse Effects

CNS: Fever, chills, headache, seizures

CV: Dysrhythmias, CHF, pericarditis, myocarditis, peripheral edema, angina, MI, myocardial toxicity

GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, mucositis, diarrhea, hepatotoxicity

GU: Nephrotoxicity, red urine

HEMA: Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia

INTEG: Rash, extravasation, dermatitis, reversible alopecia, urticaria, thrombophlebitis, tissue necrosis at inj site, radiation recall

SYST: Infection, tumor lysis syndrome

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Complete bioavailability

Distribution: Rapidly distributed, protein binding 97%

Metabolism: Liver, extensively

Excretion: Bile

Half-life: 22 hr

Pharmacodynamics

Unknown

Interactions

Individual drugs

Cyclophosphamide: increased cardiotoxicity

Radiation: increased toxicity

Trastuzumab: increased CHF, ventricular dysfunction

Drug classifications Anticoagulants, salicylates, NSAIDs, thrombolytics: increased bleeding risk, avoid concurrent use

Antineoplastics: increased toxicity Class IA/III, some phenothiazines, other products that increase QT prolongation: increased ECG changes (QT prolongation, changes in QRS voltage)

Corticosteroids: decreased IDArubicin effect Live virus vaccines: decreased antibody response

Drug/lab test

Increased: uric acid, phosphate, potassium

Decreased: calcium, platelets, neutrophils

Nursing Considerations

Assessment - Assess for tumor lysis syndrome: hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia - Assess symptoms indicating severe allergic reaction: rash, pruritus, urticaria, purpuric skin lesions, itching, flushing; product should be discontinued - Assess for tachypnea, dyspnea, edema, fatigue

BLACK BOX WARNING: Assess for cardiac toxicity: CHF, dysrhythmias, cardiomyopathy; cardiac studies should be done before and periodically during treatment; ECG, chest x-ray, MUGA

BLACK BOX WARNING: Monitor CBC, differential, platelet count weekly; severe myelosuppression can occur - Monitor renal function studies: BUN, uric acid, urine CCr, electrolytes, before, during therapy - Monitor temp (may indicate beginning of infection)

BLACK BOX WARNING: Monitor liver function tests before, during therapy (bilirubin, AST, ALT, LDH) as needed or monthly; note jaundice of skin and sclera, dark urine, clay-colored stools, itchy skin, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea; hepatotoxicity can be severe - Assess for bleeding: hematuria, stool guaiac, bruising or petechiae, mucosa or orifices, assess for inflammation of mucosa, breaks in skin - Identify effects of alopecia on body image; discuss feelings about body changes

BLACK BOX WARNING: Assess for local irritation, pain, burning at injection site, extravasation, a vesicant

Patient/family education - Teach patient to avoid use of products containing aspirin or ibuprofen, razors, commercial mouthwash, since bleeding may occur; to report symptoms of bleeding (hematuria, tarry stools) - Instruct patient to report signs of anemia (fatigue, headache, irritability, faintness, shortness of breath) - Advise patient that hair may be lost during treatment; a wig or hairpiece may make patient feel better; new hair may be different in color, texture - Teach patient to rinse mouth tid-qid with water, club soda; brush teeth bid-qid with soft brush or cotton-tipped applicators for stomatitis; use unwaxed dental floss - Tell patient not to have any vaccinations without the advice of the prescriber; serious reactions can occur - Teach patient to report if pregnancy is planned or suspected, pregnancy (D) - Advise patient that contraception is needed during treatment and for several mo after the completion of therapy - Teach patient to report signs of CHF, cardiac toxicity, beginning infection - Advise patient to avoid crowds, those with upper respiratory illness - Advise that all body fluids change color

Evaluation

Positive therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapid division of malignant cells

Reference

Mosby's Drug Guide; Davis Drug Guide

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