Puridox Injection Infusion (Epirubicin Hydrochloride) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Epirubicin hydrochloride (sold as Puridox Injection in Nigeria) is a strong cancer-fighting drug that works by damaging the DNA inside cancer cells so they cannot grow or multiply.

What is it used for?

Breast cancerstomach cancerlung cancerovarian cancerbladder cancerlymphoma (cancer of the blood system)

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Cancer Treatment

How it works

Intercalates into double-stranded DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA unwinding and repair while generating reactive oxygen species that induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

This is NOT a tablet — it is given as an injection directly into your vein (IV drip) by a trained doctor or nurse in a hospital or cancer treatment centre. The dose depends on your body size, the type of cancer, and your treatment plan. Never attempt to use this drug at home on your own.

What if I Miss a Dose?

Since this drug is given by a doctor in a hospital on a set schedule, if you miss an appointment, contact your cancer treatment team immediately to reschedule. Do not try to double up on doses.

What to watch out for

Only receive this drug in a proper hospital or certified cancer treatment centre — never from roadside sellers or unregistered pharmacies. Make sure you attend all your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your heart and blood counts regularly. Do not share or use leftover cancer drugs — they are extremely dangerous if used incorrectly.

Common Side Effects

Nausea and vomiting
hair loss (your hair usually grows back after treatment ends)
feeling very tired and weak
loss of appetite
mouth sores or painful swallowing

Serious Side Effects

Heart problems — if you notice chest pain
difficulty breathing
or swollen ankles
tell your doctor immediately. Very low blood count — if you develop high fever
unusual bleeding
or serious infections
go to the hospital at once. Skin damage — if the drug leaks from the drip into your skin during injection it can cause severe burns
so alert the nurse immediately if you feel burning or pain at the injection site.

Drug Interactions

Other heart-affecting drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) can increase the risk of heart damage when combined with epirubicin. Live vaccines (like oral polio or yellow fever vaccine) should be avoided during treatment because your immune system is weakened. Avoid alcohol completely as it puts extra stress on your liver and heart.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Epirubicin is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can seriously harm the unborn baby, and women of childbearing age must use reliable contraception during and for several months after treatment.

Who Should NOT Take This

People with serious heart disease or heart failure
people with severe liver problems
people who are allergic to epirubicin or similar drugs (like doxorubicin)
people with very low blood cell counts
pregnant or breastfeeding women
and people who have already received the maximum lifetime dose of certain cancer drugs called anthracyclines.

How to Store

This drug is stored in the hospital or pharmacy. It should be kept in a refrigerator (2–8°C), protected from light and heat. In Nigeria's hot weather, it must never be left outside a fridge. Keep far away from children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Puridox Injection