Epirubicin and alcohol

EpiRUBicin may cause liver problems, and taking it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as ethanol may increase that risk. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

MONITOR: The concomitant or sequential use of epirubicin with agents known to induce hepatotoxicity may potentiate the risk of liver injury. Epirubicin undergoes elimination through the hepatobiliary system.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and clinical and laboratory monitoring for signs of liver injury are advisable before, during, or after use of epirubicin with other agents that are potentially hepatotoxic.