Doxorubicin Dosing: An Introduction
The dose of
doxorubicin hydrochloride (
Adriamycin®, Doxil
®) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type of cancer being treated
- Your height and weight
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your doxorubicin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Doxorubicin Dosing for Cancer
Your healthcare provider will base your doxorubicin dose on your body surface area (which is calculated using your height and weight). Your doxorubicin dose will vary, depending on the type of cancer and the other chemotherapy medications you are taking. Doxorubicin is often given once a month, although it can be given more or less frequently.
General Doxorubicin Dosing Information
Some considerations for people taking doxorubicin include the following:
- Doxorubicin is given intravenously (by IV).
- Most people receive their doxorubicin injection at their healthcare provider's office, a hospital, or at an "infusion center."
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Doxorubicin will not work as well if you stop taking it before your healthcare provider recommends.
- If you are unsure about anything related to doxorubicin or your doxorubicin dosage, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
