Managing side effects of Adriamycin (Doxil) - Doxorubicin (liposomal)

For additional info:

Drug interaction website from Medscape

WebMD side effects for Adriamycin

Adriamycin: Treats many kinds of cancers including leukemia, breast cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer, and brain cancer. This medicine is often used in combination with other cancer medicines.

During IV treatment:

Have a cup of ice chips to put in your mouth to keep it cool.

Use cold pack for hands and feet.

Drink lots of ice water

After chemo:

Avoid spicy or acidic foods - diet similar to one to avoid acid reflux

-no foods with tomatoes or oranges - minimal chocolate. 

Avoid salty foods like chips and popcorn.  - May need a little senna or miralax to get things moving.

Drink lots of ice water.

Use cold pads for feet and hands as needed.  Rice in cloth bags in freezer works very well.

Use aloe with Lidocaine for hands and feet.  Eucerin lotion - healing and/or calming also works.  Areas of concern: hands, feet and under arms.  - Rash will appear similar to heat rash.  Wear loose fitting clothing. Apply in am after showering and before bed.

Mouth and tongue sores:  Oragel or Straight backing soda applied to the area with a cotton swab works well. Rinse with water.   Sores will be white spots.  Some people have luck with lidocaine magic wash.   Change out tooth brush frequently.  Use mild toothpaste with baking soda.

Update: Apply coconut oil directly on the mouth canker sores from Home Remedies for Canker Sores.

Low levels of Biotin supplement may help with the nails.

Foods: Eat foods high in potassium and protein to help keep bone marrow in good shape.  Bananas, Avocados, Meat protein - contains heme iron. 

Exercise:  At least 30 minutes+ of walking/ day  6x per week.

1st and 2nd day after treatment - Extra energy due to steroids. Sleep may not be so good. 

3rd day after treatment the IV steroid wears off and tiredness sets in.  Don't plan to do a lot this day.  May need to sleep 12 hours.  Energy then returns.

Mouth and skin symptoms are strongest 2 - 3 weeks after treatment. Keep skin from drying with lotion. Do not ignore symptoms of dry skin.  Don't forget area near port.

Make sure you have a minimum of 30 days between treatments.  Do not do highly stressful activities <3 days prior to treatment. 

Plus side:

Hair loss was not an issue.  Heart problems are very minimal with this chemotherapy.