4 Epeedo (epirubicin) is an anthracycline, or chemotherapy agent, most commonly used to help combat breast cancer, though it may be used in other types of cancer as well. It is one of the more effective treatments currently available, though a patient can only tolerate so much of it in a lifetime.

To be clear, 4 Epeedo is administered by intravenous injection; that is, it is fed into an IV solution. It should not be frozen or excessively heated, and is best stored in a refrigerator. If kept refrigerated it may gel to some extent; it should return to a free-flowing, usable consistency after 2 to 4 hours at room temperature. Expired product is unlikely to be directly harmful, but it may be less effective and should not be used.

Product Overview

4 Epeedo can be used before or after surgery, though it is rarely used on its own to combat cancer. Patients should not attempt to administer 4 Epeedo without some training beforehand; the medication is a vesicant, meaning it can cause extensive tissue damage if administered outside of a vein or if it escapes the vein.

It works by disrupting cell division at various phases of the cell cycle, thus inhibiting the growth and spread of the cancer. It is a cell-cycle specific medication, meaning it does not interfere with cells that aren't dividing. Unfortunately it can't distinguish between healthy cells and cancer cells, which is why there are so many side effects associated with chemotherapy.

The speed with which cells divide depend on the type of cancer and, to some extent, personal variables. Chemotherapy is usually administered in cycles, as is 4 Epeedo, but a doctor who can look at a given individual and their cancer is needed to determine the ideal cycle and duration of treatment, as well as monitor response to treatment.

4 Epeedo use is limited in overall volume administered in a patients life. Among the more serious consequences of high volumes of 4 Epeedo is difficulties in the heart's pumping action, which may not be apparent for years after treatment ends. Some patients who have taken 4 Epeedo also develop leukemia years later, and other major side effects. These side effects are rare, but can and do happen. Doctors should be made aware of any prior treatment involving 4 Epeedo (or its active ingredient, epirubicin) before administering more of the medication.

Other factors that influence dosage amount and cycles of treatment include overall health, age, weight, other medications given, other medical conditions, and so forth. Heart function and possibly other organs will be tested prior to starting treatment and periodically throughout treatment. Some patients will be determined poor candidates for 4 Epeedo, or if problems arise during treatment, treatment may need to end.

Dosage & Administration

Treatment with 4 Epeedo typically occurs in three to four week cycles, though there may be some variance here depending on personal variables. Six cycles of treatment are standard, so most patients are looking at six months of treatment. A doctor should determine dosage and a more precise treatment schedule.

4 Epeedo should be administered with a syringe placed directly into the tubing of an IV solution, delivering the drug into the body over several minutes. As this medication can cause extensive damage if administered outside of a vein or if it escapes a vein, it should be administered only by trained individuals. Patients or caretakers can receive instruction from a doctor or other healthcare provider.

If redness, swelling, pain, or other unusual symptoms are noticed at the IV site immediate medical attention is warranted.

Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy medications, some side effects are likely to occur while taking 4 Epeedo. While these range from embarrassing to disruptive and painful, keep in mind that they're reversible when treatment ends.

Commonly experienced are:

• Mild pain at administration site
• Red urine (normal and not cause for alarm)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Low blood counts
• Fatigue
• Amenorrhea (no menstruation)
• Hair loss
• Conjunctivitis
• Darkening of nail beds
• Diarrhea

More rare, but more serious, side effects warrant medical attention:

• Vomiting more than 4 or 5 times per day
• Nausea so severe that eating or taking medications is restricted
• Fever of greater than 100 F or 38 C
• Blistering, peeling, bleeding, etc at IV site
• Diarrhea more than 5 or 6 times per day
• Blood in stools or urine
• Extreme fatigue
• Rapid or irregular heart beats

As mentioned above, 4 Epeedo is associated with heart damage. Any changes to heartbeat should be brought to the attention of a doctor. Patients with heart ailments or consistent low blood counts are poor candidates for this medication.

Getting plenty of rest, eating well, and staying hydrated are important during treatment and for health in general, particularly during the difficult times associated with cancer.

There are numerous other side effects that may be experienced with 4 Epeedo. Don't be afraid to contact a doctor about any concerning symptom.