Also Known As: Adria, Adriamycin®
Late Effect (1st of 2)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Your risk is greater if:
- It has been less than five years since you had the drug. (This side effect is seen most commonly in the first five years after treatment.)
Recommended Evaluation
- Physical exam yearly
- Complete blood count and differential yearly
- Evaluation of symptoms of fatigue, pallor, petechiae (small red rash), and bone pain
- A bone marrow exam if you have any symptoms
Management
- You will be referred to a medical or pediatric oncologist for treatment if you are diagnosed with AML.
Late Effect (2nd of 2)
- Damage to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Your risk is greater if:
- You also had radiation to the chest or heart (includes radiation to the spine, left lung, left abdomen, mantle, mediastinum)
- You also received other drugs that can damage the heart such as cyclophosphamide and amsacrine.
- You have a medical condition such as congenital heart disease or are pregnant.
- You do isometric exercise such as weight lifting (greater than 25-30 pounds).
- You use drugs such as cocaine, diet pills, ephedra, or mahuang.
- You are female.
- You were younger than 5 years when you were treated.
- You had a high total dose (300 mg/m² or more).
- It has been many years since you were treated. (This can be a late side effect.)
Recommended Evaluation
- Detailed history of exercise tolerance yearly
- EKG and echocardiogram or heart scan at the end of treatment and as indicated based on your exam and test results (every 3-5 years)
- Cardiology consultation if indicated
- Special heart studies before and during pregnancy and delivery
- Have a heart evaluation before beginning any isometric exercise program.
Management
- Eat a well-balanced diet and do aerobic exercise regularly.
- Do not use cocaine, amphetamines, tobacco, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol because they can increase the risk of heart problems.
