Caelyx (Pegylated Liposomal - International Brand, may be available)

ℹ️ Why is it prescribed?

Caelyx (Pegylated Liposomal - International Brand, may be available) contains Doxorubicin (Liposomal) (2mg/ml). It is primarily used for:

• AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (in patients with low CD4 counts and extensive mucocutaneous disease)
• Ovarian Cancer (platinum-refractory)
• Multiple Myeloma (in combination with bortezomib, for patients who have not previously received bortezomib and have received at least one prior therapy)

Side Effects

• Myelosuppression: Anemia, Leukopenia (Neutropenia), Thrombocytopenia
• Nausea and Vomiting (less severe than conventional doxorubicin)
• Stomatitis/Mucositis
• Alopecia (reversible, less frequent than conventional)
• Fatigue/Asthenia
• Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE) or Hand-Foot Syndrome - a characteristic toxicity of this formulation
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Skin rash/itching

Contraindications

• History of severe hypersensitivity reaction to doxorubicin, other anthracyclines, or any component of the liposomal formulation (including polyethylene glycol - PEG)
• Severe myocardial insufficiency (NYHA Class III or IV)
• Recent myocardial infarction (within last 6 months)
• Severe hepatic impairment (Serum Bilirubin > 5 mg/dL)
• Baseline neutrophil count < 1500 cells/mm³
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding