Doxorubicin Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
Class I recall (most serious) — June 17, 2026: Presence of Particulate matter: Particulate matter identified as glass. Only the lots listed are affected. Check the lots
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Doxil
- Taken
- Intravenous
- Label
- Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc, revised May 5, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (16 companies) · details
Boxed warning — the FDA's most serious warning for a medicine
WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS, and SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION
- Cardiomyopathy: Myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure, can occur with doxorubicin hydrochloride. The risk of cardiomyopathy is proportional to the cumulative exposure with incidence rates from 1%–20% for cumulative doses ranging from 300 mg/m 2 to 500 mg/m 2 when doxorubicin hydrochloride is administered every 3 weeks. The risk of cardiomyopathy is further increased with concomitant cardiotoxic therapy. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before and regularly during and after treatment with doxorubicin hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] .
- Secondary Malignancies: Secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occur at a higher incidence in patients treated with anthracyclines, including doxorubicin hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] .
- Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis: Extravasation of doxorubicin hydrochloride can result in severe local tissue injury and necrosis requiring wide excision of the affected area and skin grafting. Immediately terminate the drug and apply ice to the affected area [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] .
- Severe myelosuppression resulting in serious infection, septic shock, requirement for transfusions, hospitalization, and death may occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] . WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS, and SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
- Cardiomyopathy: Myocardial damage can occur with doxorubicin hydrochloride with incidences from 1%–20% for cumulative doses from 300 mg/m 2 to 500 mg/m 2 when doxorubicin hydrochloride is administered every 3 weeks. The risk of cardiomyopathy is further increased with concomitant cardiotoxic therapy. Assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before and regularly during and after treatment with doxorubicin hydrochloride. ( 5.1 )
- Secondary Malignancies: Secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occur at a higher incidence in patients treated with anthracyclines, including doxorubicin hydrochloride. ( 5.2 )
- Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis: Extravasation of doxorubicin hydrochloride can result in severe local tissue injury and necrosis requiring wide excision and skin grafting. Immediately terminate the drug, and apply ice to the affected area. ( 5.3 )
- Severe myelosuppression resulting in serious infection, septic shock, requirement for transfusions, hospitalization, and death may occur. ( 5.4 )
What it is used for
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated:
- as a component of multi‑agent adjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of women with axillary lymph node involvement following resection of primary breast cancer ( 1.1 )
- for the treatment of: acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, metastatic breast cancer, metastatic Wilms' tumor, metastatic neuroblastoma, metastatic soft tissue sarcoma, metastatic bone sarcomas, metastatic ovarian carcinoma, metastatic transitional cell bladder carcinoma, metastatic thyroid carcinoma, metastatic gastric carcinoma, metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma ( 1.2 )
1.1 Adjuvant Breast Cancer Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection is indicated as a component of multi-agent adjuvant chemotherapy for treatment of women with axillary lymph node involvement following resection of primary breast cancer .
1.2 Other Cancers Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the treatment of
- acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- acute myeloblastic leukemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
- metastatic breast cancer
- metastatic Wilms' tumor
- metastatic neuroblastoma
- metastatic soft tissue sarcoma
- metastatic bone sarcoma
- metastatic ovarian carcinoma
- metastatic transitional cell bladder carcinoma
- metastatic thyroid carcinoma
- metastatic gastric carcinoma
- metastatic bronchogenic carcinoma
Forms and strengths
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection: o 10 mg/5 mL, 20 mg/10 mL and 50 mg/25 mL (2 mg/mL) clear red solution in a single-dose vial o 150 mg/75 mL and 200 mg/100 mL (2 mg/mL) clear red solution in a multiple-dose vial Injection: o 10 mg/5 mL, 20 mg/10 mL, 50 mg/25 mL in single-dose vial ( 3 ) o 150 mg/75 mL, and 200 mg/100 mL in multiple-dose vial ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection are contraindicated in patients with:
- Severe myocardial insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
- Recent (occurring within the past 4-6 weeks) myocardial infarction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
- Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
- Severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin level greater than 5 mg/dL) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction to doxorubicin hydrochloride, including anaphylaxis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]
- Severe myocardial insufficiency ( 4 )
- Recent myocardial infarction ( 4 )
- Severe persistent drug-induced myelosuppression ( 4 )
- Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 )
- Severe hypersensitivity to doxorubicin hydrochloride ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
- Radiation-Induced Toxicity: Can be increased by the administration of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection. Radiation recall can occur in patients who receive Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection after prior radiation therapy. ( 5.7)
- Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and on the use of effective contraception. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception. Advise males with pregnant partners to use condoms. ( 5.8 , 8.1 , 8.3 )
5.1 Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmias Cardiomyopathy Doxorubicin hydrochloride can result in myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure. The risk of cardiomyopathy is generally proportional to the cumulative exposure. Include prior doses of other anthracyclines or anthracenediones in calculations of total cumulative dosage for doxorubicin hydrochloride. Cardiomyopathy may develop during treatment or up to several years after completion of treatment and can include decrease in LVEF and signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF). The probability of developing cardiomyopathy is estimated to be 1 to 2% at a total cumulative dose of 300 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin hydrochloride, 3 to 5% at a dose of 400 mg/m 2 , 5 to 8% at a dose of 450 mg/m 2 , and 6 to 20% at a dose of 500 mg/m 2 , when doxorubicin hydrochloride is administered every 3 weeks. There is an additive or potentially synergistic increase in the risk of cardiomyopathy in patients who have received radiotherapy to the mediastinum or concomitant therapy with other known cardiotoxic agents, such as cyclophosphamide and trastuzumab. Pericarditis and myocarditis have also been reported during or following doxorubicin hydrochloride treatment. Assess left ventricular cardiac function (e.g., MUGA or echocardiogram) prior to initiation of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection, during treatment to detect acute changes, and after treatment to detect delayed cardiotoxicity. Increase the frequency of assessments as the cumulative dose exceeds 300 mg/m 2 . Use the same method of assessment of LVEF at all time points [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . Discontinue Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection in patients who develop signs or symptoms of cardiomyopathy [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Consider the use of dexrazoxane to reduce the incidence and severity of cardiomyopathy due to doxorubicin hydrochloride administration in patients who have received a cumulative doxorubicin hydrochloride dose of 300 mg/m 2 and who will continue to receive doxorubicin hydrochloride. Arrhythmias Doxorubicin hydrochloride can result in arrhythmias, including life-threatening arrhythmias, during or within a few hours after doxorubicin hydrochloride administration and at any time point during treatment. Tachyarrhythmias, including sinus tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, and ventricular tachycardia, as well as bradycardia, can occur. Electrocardiographic changes, including non-specific ST-T wave changes, atrioventricular and bundle-branch block can also occur. These electrocardiographic changes may be transient and self-limited and may not require a dosage modification of doxorubicin hydrochloride.
5.2 Secondary Malignancies The risk of developing secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is increased following treatment with doxorubicin hydrochloride. Cumulative incidences ranged from 0.2% at five years to 1.5% at 10 years in two separate trials involving the adjuvant treatment of women with breast cancer. These leukemias generally occur within 1 to 3 years of treatment.
5.3 Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis Extravasation of doxorubicin hydrochloride can cause severe local tissue injury manifesting as blistering, ulceration, and necrosis requiring wide excision of the affected area and skin grafting. Extravasation should be considered if a patient experiences a burning or stinging sensation or shows other evidence indicating peri-venous infiltration or extravasation; however, extravasation may be present in patients who do not experience a stinging or burning sensation or when blood return is present on aspiration of the infusion needle. When given via a peripheral venous line, infuse Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection over 10 minutes or less to minimize the risk of thrombosis or perivenous extravasation. If extravasation is suspected, immediately discontinue the intravenous injection or continuous intravenous infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Apply ice to the site intermittently for 15 minutes, 4 times a day for 3 days. In adults, if appropriate, administer dexrazoxane at the site of extravasation as soon as possible and within the first 6 hours after extravasation.
5.4 Severe Myelosuppression Doxorubicin hydrochloride can cause myelosuppression. In Study 1, the incidence of severe myelosuppression was: grade 4 leukopenia (0.3%), grade 3 leukopenia (3%), and grade 4 thrombocytopenia (0.1%). A dose-dependent, reversible neutropenia is the predominant manifestation of myelosuppression from doxorubicin hydrochloride. When doxorubicin hydrochloride is administered every 21 days, the neutrophil count reaches its nadir 10 to 14 days after administration with recovery usually occurring by day 21. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment and carefully monitor patients during treatment for possible clinical complications due to myelosuppression. Delay next dose of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression based on severity of reaction.
5.5 Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment The clearance of doxorubicin is decreased in patients with elevated serum bilirubin with an increased risk of toxicity [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin level greater than 5 mg/dL) [see Contraindications (4) ]. Reduce the dose of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection in patients with serum bilirubin levels of 1.2 to 5 mg/dL [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . Obtain liver tests including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin prior to and during therapy.
5.6 Tumor Lysis Syndrome Doxorubicin hydrochloride can induce tumor lysis syndrome in patients with rapidly growing tumors. Evaluate blood uric acid levels, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine after initial treatment. Hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to prevent hyperuricemia may minimize potential complications of tumor lysis syndrome.
5.7 Potentiation of Radiation Toxicity and Radiation Recall Doxorubicin hydrochloride can increase radiation-induced toxicity to the myocardium, mucosa, skin, and liver. Radiation recall, including but not limited to cutaneous and pulmonary toxicity, can occur in patients who receive doxorubicin hydrochloride after prior radiation therapy.
5.8 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman; avoid the use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection during the 1 st trimester. Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of doxorubicin hydrochloride during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was teratogenic and embryotoxic in rats and rabbits at doses lower than the recommended human dose. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection and for 6 months after treatment. […]
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling.
- Cardiomyopathy and Arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]
- Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]
- Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]
- Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ]
- Radiation Sensitization and Radiation Recall [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] The most common (>10%) adverse reactions are alopecia, nausea and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer, Inc. at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Breast Cancer The safety data below were collected from 1492 women who received doxorubicin hydrochloride at a dose of 60 mg/m 2 and cyclophosphamide at a dose of 600 mg/m 2 (AC) every 3 weeks for 4 cycles for the adjuvant treatment of axillary lymph node positive breast cancer. The median number of cycles received was 4. Selected adverse reactions reported in this study are provided in Table 2. No treatment-related deaths were reported in patients on either arm of the study. Table 2. Selected Adverse Reactions in Patients with Early Breast Cancer Involving Axillary Lymph Nodes Adverse Reactions AC Includes pooled data from patients who received either AC for 4 cycles or AC for 4 cycles followed by CMF for 3 cycles N = 1492 Conventional CMF N = 739 % % AC = doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide; CMF = cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil Alopecia 92 71 Vomiting Vomiting ≤12 hours 34 25 Vomiting >12 hours 37 12 Intractable 5 2 Leukopenia Grade 3 (1,000–1,999 /mm 3 ) 3.4
9.4 Grade 4 (<1000 /mm 3 ) 0.3
0.3 Shock, sepsis 2 1 Systemic infection 2 1 Cardiac dysfunction Asymptomatic 0.2
0.1 Transient 0.1 0 Symptomatic 0.1 0 Thrombocytopenia Grade 3 (25,000–49,999 /mm 3 ) 0
0.3 Grade 4 (<25,000 /mm 3 ) 0.1 0
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac – Cardiogenic shock Cutaneous – Skin and nail hyperpigmentation, oncolysis, rash, itching, photosensitivity, urticaria, acral erythema, palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia Gastrointestinal – Nausea, mucositis, stomatitis, necrotizing colitis, typhlitis, gastric erosions, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, hematochezia, esophagitis, anorexia, abdominal pain, dehydration, diarrhea, hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa Hypersensitivity – Anaphylaxis Laboratory Abnormalities – Increased ALT, increased AST Neurological – Peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy, seizures, coma Ocular – Conjunctivitis, keratitis, lacrimation Vascular – Phlebosclerosis, phlebitis/thrombophlebitis, hot flashes, thromboembolism Other – Malaise/asthenia, fever, chills, weight gain
Drug interactions
- Avoid concomitant use of doxorubicin hydrochloride with inhibitors and inducers of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and/or P-gp ( 7.1 )
- Do not administer doxorubicin hydrochloride in combination with trastuzumab due to increased risk of cardiac dysfunction ( 5.1 , 7.2 )
7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection Inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and P-gp Concomitant use of doxorubicin hydrochloride with inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or P-glycoprotein (P-gp), increased concentrations of doxorubicin, which may increase the incidence and severity of adverse reactions of doxorubicin hydrochloride. Avoid concomitant use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection with inhibitors of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or P-gp. Inducers of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or P-gp Concomitant use of doxorubicin hydrochloride with inducers of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or P-gp may decrease the concentration of doxorubicin. Avoid concomitant use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection with inducers of CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or P-gp. Paclitaxel Paclitaxel, when given prior to doxorubicin hydrochloride, increases the plasma-concentrations of doxorubicin and its metabolites. Administer Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection prior to paclitaxel if used concomitantly.
7.2 Concomitant Use of Trastuzumab Concomitant use of trastuzumab and doxorubicin hydrochloride results in an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction. Avoid concomitant administration of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection and trastuzumab [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Patients receiving doxorubicin after stopping treatment with trastuzumab may also be at an increased risk of developing cardiotoxicity. Trastuzumab may persist in the circulation for up to 7 months. Therefore, avoid anthracycline-based therapy for up to 7 months after stopping trastuzumab when possible. If anthracyclines are used before this time, carefully monitor cardiac function.
7.3 Concomitant Use of Dexrazoxane Do not administer dexrazoxane as a cardioprotectant at the initiation of doxorubicin hydrochloride-containing chemotherapy regimens. In a randomized trial in women with metastatic breast cancer, initiation of dexrazoxane with doxorubicin hydrochloride-based chemotherapy resulted in a significantly lower tumor response rate (48% vs. 63%; p = 0.007) and shorter time to progression compared to doxorubicin hydrochloride-based chemotherapy alone.
7.4 Concomitant Use of 6-Mercaptopurine Doxorubicin hydrochloride may potentiate 6-mercaptopurine-induced hepatotoxicity. In 11 patients with refractory leukemia treated with 6-mercaptopurine (500 mg/m 2 intravenously daily for 5 days per cycle every 2–3 weeks) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (50 mg/m 2 intravenous once per cycle every 2–3 weeks) alone or with vincristine and prednisone, all developed hepatic dysfunction manifested by increased total serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
- Lactation : Advise not to breastfeed ( 8.2)
- Females and Males of Reproductive Potential : May impair fertility ( 8.3 )
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman; avoid the use of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection during the 1 st trimester. Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of doxorubicin hydrochloride during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was teratogenic and embryotoxic in rats and embryotoxic in rabbits when administered during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.07 times (based on body surface area) the recommended human dose of 60 mg/m 2 (see Data) . Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Doxorubicin hydrochloride was teratogenic and embryotoxic at doses of 0.8 mg/kg/day (about 0.07 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) when administered during the period of organogenesis in rats. Teratogenicity and embryotoxicity were also seen using discrete periods of treatment. The most susceptible was the 6- to 9-day gestation period at doses of 1.25 mg/kg/day and greater. Characteristic malformations included esophageal and intestinal atresia, tracheo-esophageal fistula, hypoplasia of the urinary bladder, and cardiovascular anomalies. Doxorubicin hydrochloride was embryotoxic (increase in embryo‑fetal deaths) and abortifacient at 0.4 mg/kg/day (about 0.07 times the recommended human dose based on body surface area) in rabbits when administered during the period of organogenesis.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Doxorubicin was measured in the milk of one lactating patient after therapy with 70 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin hydrochloride given as a 15-minute intravenous infusion. The peak milk concentration at 24 hours after treatment was 4.4-fold greater than the corresponding plasma concentration. Doxorubicin was detectable in the milk up to 72 hours. There are no data on the effects of doxorubicin hydrochloride on the breastfed child or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection and for 10 days after the final dose.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection. Contraception Females Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use highly effective contraception during treatment with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection and for 6 months after treatment. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Males Doxorubicin hydrochloride may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic fetal abnormalities. Due to the potential for genotoxicity, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection and for 3 months after treatment [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Males with pregnant partners should use condoms during treatment and for at least 10 days after the final dose [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Infertility Females In females of reproductive potential, Doxorubicin hydrochloride may cause infertility and result in amenorrhea. Premature menopause can occur. Recovery of menses and ovulation is related to age at treatment [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . Males Doxorubicin hydrochloride may result in oligospermia, azoospermia, and permanent loss of fertility. Sperm counts have been reported to return to normal levels in some men. This may occur several years after the end of therapy [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .
8.4 Pediatric Use Based on postmarketing reports, pediatric patients treated with doxorubicin hydrochloride are at risk for developing late cardiovascular dysfunction. Risk factors include young age at treatment (especially < 5 years), high cumulative doses and receipt of combined modality therapy. Long-term periodic cardiovascular monitoring is recommended for all pediatric patients who have received doxorubicin hydrochloride. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, as a component of intensive chemotherapy regimens administered to pediatric patients, may contribute to prepubertal growth failure and may also contribute to gonadal impairment, which is usually temporary. There are no recommended dose adjustments based on age. Doxorubicin clearance was increased in patients aged 2 years to 20 years as compared to adults, while doxorubicin clearance was similar in infants less than 2 years as compared to adults [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical experience in patients who were 65 years of age and older who received doxorubicin hydrochloride-based chemotherapy regimens for metastatic breast cancer showed no overall differences in safety and effectiveness compared with younger patients.
8.6 Hepatic Impairment The clearance of doxorubicin was reduced in patients with elevated serum total bilirubin levels. Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (defined as Child Pugh Class C or serum bilirubin levels greater than 5 mg/dL) [see Contraindications (4) ] . Reduce the dose of Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection in patients with serum total bilirubin levels greater than 1.2 mg/dL [See Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] .
How it works
The cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin hydrochloride on malignant cells and its toxic effects on various organs are thought to be related to nucleotide base intercalation and cell membrane lipid binding activities of doxorubicin. Intercalation inhibits nucleotide replication and action of DNA and RNA polymerases. The interaction of doxorubicin with topoisomerase II to form DNA-cleavable complexes appears to be an important mechanism of doxorubicin hydrochloride cytocidal activity.
Is there a generic Doxorubicin Hydrochloride?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Doxorubicin Hydrochloride from 16 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 1989.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Actavis Inc, Alembic, Amneal, Ayana Pharma Ltd, Baxter Hlthcare Corp, Dr Reddys, Fresenius Kabi Usa, Gland, Hikma, Lupin, Mylan Labs Ltd, Qilu Pharm Hainan, Sagent Pharms, Sun Pharm, Sun Pharm Inds, Zydus Lifesciences
Brand-name versions
- Doxil (liposomal) Baxter Hlthcare Corp, approved 1995
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Doxorubicin in the news
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Recalls
-
Class I Ongoing
DOXOrubin Hydrochloride Liposome injection, 50 mg/25 mL (2mg/mL), 25 mL single-dose vials, Sterile, Rx only, Manufactured for: Northstar Rx LLC., Memphis, TN 38141, Manufactured by: Sun Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd., Halol-Ba…
Reason: Presence of Particulate matter: Particulate matter identified as glass.
Lots, distribution and details
- Product
- DOXOrubin Hydrochloride Liposome injection, 50 mg/25 mL (2mg/mL), 25 mL single-dose vials, Sterile, Rx only, Manufactured for: Northstar Rx LLC., Memphis, TN 38141, Manufactured by: Sun Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd., Halol-Baroda Highway, Halol, Gujarat, India, NDC 72603-200-01.
- Lots / codes
- Lot HAG2581B, expires: 05/31/2027
- Distribution
- U.S. Nationwide
- Quantity
- 675 vials
- Recall started
- May 12, 2026 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
- Severity
- Most serious: use could cause serious health problems or death.
- FDA recall number
- D-0580-2026
Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 1fd148fb-0fbc-4b6f-b790-23546fb46a71.