Product Introduction:
Lippod 50mg is a liposomal form of Doxorubicin, a widely used anthracycline antibiotic used in chemotherapy. The liposomal encapsulation allows for targeted drug delivery, reducing exposure to healthy tissues and minimizing cardiotoxicity. It is administered intravenously and used as monotherapy or in combination with other agents for various malignancies.
Uses of Lippod 50mg Injection:
Lippod is indicated for treatment of several cancers, including:
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Ovarian Cancer – Particularly in patients resistant to platinum-based therapy.
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Multiple Myeloma – Used in combination with bortezomib.
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AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma – Especially effective in HIV-positive patients.
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Metastatic Breast Cancer – An option for patients who have failed other chemotherapy.
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Soft Tissue Sarcoma – As part of first-line or salvage chemotherapy.
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Other Off-Label Uses – When conventional Doxorubicin is not tolerated.
Storage Instructions:
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Store at 2°C to 8°C (Refrigerated).
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Do not freeze or shake.
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Protect from light and extreme temperatures.
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Use immediately after reconstitution or as per product guidelines.
How Lippod 50mg Works (Mechanism of Action):
Lippod contains Doxorubicin, which intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA replication and RNA synthesis. The liposomal coating allows:
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Slow release of the drug in the tumor environment.
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Reduced cardiotoxicity by avoiding peak plasma concentrations.
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Targeted delivery, enhancing the drug’s efficacy and safety.
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects:
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Nausea and vomiting
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Mouth sores (mucositis)
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Fatigue
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Red-colored urine (temporary)
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Low blood counts (neutropenia, anemia)
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Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (hand-foot syndrome)
Severe Side Effects:
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Cardiotoxicity – Especially with high cumulative doses
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Infusion-related reactions – Fever, chills, back pain
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Myelosuppression – Risk of serious infections
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Severe hand-foot syndrome – Skin peeling, blistering
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Allergic reactions – Rash, shortness of breath, facial swelling
Dosage (Typical Recommended Dose):
Dosing varies by indication:
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Ovarian Cancer: 50 mg/m² IV infusion every 4 weeks
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Multiple Myeloma: 30 mg/m² on day 4 of a 21-day cycle (with bortezomib)
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Kaposi’s Sarcoma: 20 mg/m² IV every 3 weeks
Dosage is adjusted based on body surface area (BSA), renal/hepatic function, and toxicity levels.
Method of Administration:
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IV infusion only – Not for intramuscular or subcutaneous use.
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Infused over 30–60 minutes, using a dedicated IV line.
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Do not administer as a bolus.
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Premedication may be required to reduce infusion reactions.
Precautions:
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Baseline cardiac evaluation (e.g., echocardiogram) before and during treatment.
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Avoid in patients with active heart disease or recent myocardial infarction.
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Monitor complete blood count (CBC), liver function, and ECG regularly.
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Not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding – Use effective contraception.
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Avoid live vaccines during therapy.
Drug Interactions:
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Cyclophosphamide, Trastuzumab – Increases risk of cardiotoxicity.
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Cyclosporine – Increases exposure and toxicity of Doxorubicin.
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Live vaccines – Risk of severe infection due to immunosuppression.
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Other anthracyclines – Increases cumulative cardiac risk.
Allergies (Warnings for Allergic Reactions):
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Do not use if allergic to Doxorubicin or liposomal products.
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Watch for rash, itching, swelling, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty.
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Discontinue immediately if a severe allergic or infusion reaction occurs.
Overdose Information:
Symptoms:
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Severe mucositis
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Myelosuppression
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Cardiac toxicity
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Multiorgan failure
What to Do:
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Seek emergency care immediately.
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Management is supportive, including G-CSF for neutropenia, IV fluids, and cardiac monitoring.
Missed Dose Instructions:
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If a dose is missed, it should be rescheduled by the healthcare provider.
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Do not double up or self-adjust the schedule.
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Stick to the planned chemotherapy cycle.
Additional Notes:
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Monitor for cumulative lifetime dose of Doxorubicin (typically 450–550 mg/m²).
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Liposomal formulations are not interchangeable with conventional Doxorubicin.
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Use strict aseptic technique when handling and administering.
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Patient education on managing hand-foot syndrome and signs of infection is essential.