Adriamycin Uses

Adriamycin is used for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer, to name a few. The medicine works by binding to the DNA of cells (healthy and cancerous cells) and killing them. Off-label Adriamycin uses can include treating other types of cancers that the drug is not approved to treat.

 

What Is Adriamycin Used For?

Adriamycin® (doxorubicin hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat various types of cancer. It is part of a group of medications called anthracyclines. Adriamycin is used to treat many different types of cancer, such as:
 

How Does Adriamycin Work?

Adriamycin is part of a group of medications called anthracyclines. Anthracyclines kill cells (including cancer cells and normal cells) by working in several ways. Adriamycin binds to DNA in cells, changing the shape of the DNA and causing other problems with the DNA. Adriamycin can damage the membranes (outer coating) of cells and may damage other parts of cells as well.
 
While Adriamycin can kill both healthy and cancerous cells, it has a greater effect on cells that are multiplying rapidly. Generally, cancer cells multiply more rapidly than healthy cells, and are therefore more affected by Adriamycin.
 

Adriamycin Uses in Children

Adriamycin may be used in children, although children may be more sensitive to the drug's side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Adriamycin in children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;