Biorubin 50mg Injection (Epirubicin): Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Fever of 38°C or higher, chills, or shivering
- Sore throat, mouth ulcers, or difficulty swallowing
- Unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums
- Chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath
- Sudden swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs
- Severe nausea or vomiting that prevents drinking fluids
- Pain, burning, or swelling at the injection site
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine
- Reduced urine output or swelling of the face
- Rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is biorubin 50mg injection used for?
This medicine is an intravenous chemotherapy injection containing epirubicin, used mainly for breast cancer and some other cancers. It works by damaging cancer cell DNA so they cannot divide. It is given only by a cancer specialist in a hospital or day-care setting, and it requires regular blood tests and heart monitoring because of its serious side effects.
- Generic Name: Epirubicin
- Manufacturer: Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 biorubin 50mg injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एपिरुबिसिन नामक कीमोथेरेपी दवा है, जो मुख्य रूप से स्तन कैंसर, कुछ लिम्फोमा, ल्यूकीमिया और कुछ अन्य कैंसर के इलाज में इस्तेमाल होती है। इसे नस के माध्यम से अस्पताल या कैंसर डे-केयर में विशेषज्ञ द्वारा दिया जाता है। यह कैंसर कोशिकाओं के डीएनए को नुकसान पहुंचाकर उनकी वृद्धि और विभाजन को रोकती है। यह दवा सिर्फ कैंसर विशेषज्ञ की देखरेख में ही दी जानी चाहिए, और इलाज के दौरान खून की जांच और दिल की जांच नियमित रूप से करानी जरूरी होती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, भूख न लगना, मुंह में छाले, बाल झड़ना, थकान और खून की कोशिकाओं का कम होना शामिल है। कुछ मरीजों का पेशाब एक-दो दिन के लिए लाल रंग का दिख सकता है, जो आमतौर पर हानिकारक नहीं होता। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में तेज बुखार के साथ संक्रमण, खून का बहना, दिल की मांसपेशियों को नुकसान और इंजेक्शन की जगह पर गंभीर प्रतिक्रिया शामिल हैं। अगर बुखार, ठंड लगना, सांस फूलना, सीने में दर्द या पैरों में सूजन हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा सिर्फ अस्पताल या कैंसर डे-केयर में योग्य डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। इसे घर पर खुद न लगाएं। इलाज से पहले और दौरान खून की जांच, लिवर की जांच और दिल की जांच जरूर कराएं। अगर 38 डिग्री सेल्सियस या उससे ज्यादा बुखार, ठंड लगना, गले में दर्द, मुंह में छाले, आसानी से चोट लगना, खून बहना, सीने में दर्द, धड़कन तेज होना, सांस फूलना या पैरों में सूजन हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर को बताएं। इलाज के दौरान और उसके कुछ महीनों बाद तक गर्भनिरोधक का इस्तेमाल करें और स्तनपान न कराएं।
💊 biorubin 50mg injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Breast cancer","description":"Used as part of combination chemotherapy for early and advanced breast cancer, often after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Non-Hodgkin lymphoma","description":"Included in some multi-drug regimens for certain types of lymphoma under specialist supervision.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Acute leukaemias","description":"Used in selected combination regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia.","evidence":"Established"},{"condition":"Soft tissue sarcomas","description":"Sometimes used as part of chemotherapy for advanced or high-risk soft tissue sarcomas.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Gastric and oesophageal cancer","description":"Used in some combination regimens for advanced gastro-oesophageal cancer.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Bladder cancer","description":"May be used in selected bladder cancer treatment protocols, including some intravesical regimens, under specialist care.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Other solid tumours","description":"Occasionally used off-label in selected rare cancers when other options are not suitable, based on specialist judgement.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Ovarian cancer","description":"May be used in some chemotherapy combinations for ovarian cancer in specialist practice.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Breast cancer
Also treats: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Acute leukaemias, Soft tissue sarcomas, Gastric and oesophageal cancer, Bladder cancer
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Epirubicin |
| Brand Name | Alrubicin |
| Manufacturer | Biochem Pharmaceutical Industries |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Alkaloids-cytotoxic agents |
| Route of Administration | Intravenous (into a vein), usually as a short infusion over several minutes in a hospital or cancer day-care setting |
| Storage | Store this medicine in its original packaging in a refrigerator at 2–8°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. Once prepared for infusion, it should be used according to the hospital pharmacy's instructions and any unused portion should be discarded safely. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is usually 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored correctly in the original packaging. Always check the expiry date before use. Once the vial is opened or the infusion is prepared, it should be used within the time specified by the hospital pharmacy. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Treatment guidelines for epirubicin vary by cancer type and region, and decisions should be made by a qualified cancer specialist. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. In India, cancer treatment is guided by national and institutional protocols, and this medicine should only be used under specialist supervision. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine belongs to the anthracycline class of anticancer antibiotics. Its active ingredient, epirubicin, works by inserting itself between the base pairs of DNA and by interfering with topoisomerase II, an enzyme that helps DNA unwind and repair itself. This blocks the copying of DNA and the production of RNA, so cancer cells cannot divide and grow. It also generates free radicals that damage cell membranes and DNA. Because cancer cells divide more often than most normal cells, they are more sensitive to this medicine, but normal tissues that divide quickly, such as bone marrow, hair follicles, and the lining of the mouth and gut, can also be affected, which explains many of the side effects.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take biorubin 50mg injection
Strength: Injection, 50 mg strength, given intravenously.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine is calculated by a cancer specialist based on body surface area, the type of cancer, the treatment regimen, blood counts, liver function, and heart function. It is usually given as a single intravenous dose every 3 weeks as part of a combination chemotherapy plan. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Never self-administer this medicine, and never change the dose or schedule without your cancer team's advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatric oncologist. This medicine may be used in children with certain cancers only under the care of a specialist pediatric cancer team, with doses calculated carefully based on body size and organ function. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially effects on the heart, bone marrow, and liver. The dose may need to be reduced or the treatment plan adjusted after a careful assessment of heart, liver, and kidney function. Older patients should be monitored closely for infection, bleeding, and heart problems. |
| Renal Impairment | Mild to moderate kidney problems usually do not require a dose change, but kidney function should be checked before and during treatment. In severe kidney impairment, the dose may need to be adjusted by a specialist. Good hydration is encouraged unless your doctor advises otherwise. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Liver function strongly affects how this medicine is cleared from the body. In patients with raised liver enzymes or bilirubin, the dose is usually reduced according to specialist guidelines, and liver tests are checked before each cycle. In severe liver impairment, this medicine is usually avoided. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum total dose is not a simple daily figure. The total lifetime dose is limited because of the risk of heart damage, and the exact limit is decided by the cancer specialist based on the patient's heart function, previous treatments, and the specific regimen. Never exceed the dose prescribed by your cancer team. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of biorubin 50mg injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Other anthracyclines | Major | |
| Live vaccines | Major | |
| Trastuzumab | Major | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Paclitaxel | Moderate | |
| Docetaxel | Moderate | |
| Paracetamol | Minor | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other anthracyclines or related anticancer medicines
- Live vaccines
- Trastuzumab and other heart-affecting cancer medicines
- Cimetidine
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Phenytoin
- Warfarin and other blood thinners
- Other medicines that suppress bone marrow
- Paclitaxel and docetaxel
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while receiving this medicine. It can worsen nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and liver strain, and it may increase the risk of bleeding when blood counts are low. If you drink alcohol regularly, discuss this with your cancer team so they can give you personalised advice.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Severe heart disease or recent heart attack","Very low blood counts from any cause","Active serious infection","Severe liver impairment","Previous severe allergic reaction to epirubicin or other anthracyclines","Pregnancy","Breastfeeding","Previous treatment with high total doses of anthracyclines or related medicines"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine must be given only by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital or cancer day-care setting.","Blood counts, liver function, and heart function must be checked before and during treatment.","Report fever of 38°C or higher, chills, or sore throat immediately, as these may be signs of a serious infection.","Use effective contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards.","Do not breastfeed while receiving this medicine.","Avoid live vaccines during treatment.","Tell your doctor about all other medicines, including herbal products, before starting treatment.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","Handle body fluids with care for a few days after each dose, as the medicine can be present in urine and other fluids.","Report any pain or burning at the injection site during the infusion."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
This medicine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Breastfeeding must be stopped before treatment begins and should not be restarted until your cancer team confirms it is safe.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose with this medicine is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include severe bone marrow suppression, mouth sores, high fever, bleeding, and heart problems. If an overdose is suspected, contact your cancer team or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Treatment is supportive and may include blood transfusions, antibiotics, and heart monitoring. There is no specific antidote, so prevention and careful dosing are essential.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic, so a missed dose usually means a missed appointment. Contact your cancer team as soon as possible if you miss or cannot attend a scheduled session. Do not try to catch up on your own, and never arrange for this medicine to be given outside a proper medical setting. Your team will decide whether to give the dose later or adjust the schedule.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given only in a hospital or cancer day-care setting by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not attempt to handle or inject this medicine at home. Before each dose, your doctor will check your blood counts, liver function, and heart function, and you must attend all scheduled tests. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a fever of 38°C or higher, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers, unusual bruising or bleeding, chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or swelling of the feet and ankles. Use effective contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards, and do not breastfeed while receiving this medicine. Avoid close contact with people who have active infections, and avoid live vaccines during treatment. Inform any doctor, dentist, or nurse treating you that you are receiving this medicine, because it can interact with other medicines and affect wound healing and infection risk.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially heart damage, bone marrow suppression, and liver problems. A careful assessment of heart, liver, and kidney function is needed before treatment, and the dose may be reduced. Older patients should be monitored closely for infection, bleeding, fatigue, and heart symptoms, and they may need extra support at home during treatment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine can harm an unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss it with your cancer team before starting treatment. Both men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards. Fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm storage should be discussed before treatment begins, as this medicine can affect fertility.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you have recently had surgery, tell your cancer team before receiving this medicine. Chemotherapy can affect wound healing and increase the risk of infection. Your team will decide the right time to start treatment after surgery, and they will check your wound and blood counts before each cycle. Report any redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from the surgical site.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist that you are receiving this medicine before any dental work. Chemotherapy can increase the risk of bleeding and infection, and dental procedures may need to be timed around your treatment cycles. Good mouth care, including gentle brushing and rinsing, can help prevent mouth sores. Your cancer team may advise a dental check before starting treatment.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Gentle exercise such as walking, stretching, or light yoga can help reduce fatigue and improve mood during treatment. However, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or contact sports when your blood counts are low or if you feel very tired. Always check with your cancer team before starting or changing an exercise routine, especially if you have heart problems or low blood counts.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause tiredness, nausea, and a higher risk of infection, which may affect your ability to work during treatment. Many patients need to take time off or reduce their working hours, especially around treatment cycles. Driving may be affected if you feel dizzy, tired, or unwell. Discuss your work and driving plans with your cancer team, and ask about flexible working arrangements or financial support if needed.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop or delay this medicine on your own. Your cancer team will decide when to stop based on your response to treatment, side effects, blood counts, heart function, and the overall treatment plan. If you develop serious side effects such as heart problems, severe infection, or a severe allergic reaction, treatment may be stopped or changed. Always discuss any concerns with your cancer team before making any decisions.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term effects of this medicine can include heart muscle damage that may lead to heart failure, a small risk of a second cancer such as leukaemia, and effects on fertility. Regular heart monitoring and blood tests are important during and after treatment. Some patients may experience persistent tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance. Long-term follow-up with your cancer team is recommended so that any late effects can be detected and managed early.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Depending on the cancer type, other chemotherapy agents or regimens may be used instead of or in addition to this medicine.
Evidence: Well-establishedSome cancers may be treated with targeted medicines that act on specific molecules in cancer cells.
Evidence: Well-established for selected cancersImmunotherapy medicines may be an option for some cancers and are sometimes combined with chemotherapy.
Evidence: Established for selected cancersRadiotherapy may be used alone or with chemotherapy for certain cancers.
Evidence: Well-establishedTreatment to control symptoms and improve quality of life can be used alongside or instead of chemotherapy in some situations.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Live vaccines should not be given while you are receiving this medicine because your immune system is suppressed and there is a risk of serious infection. Inactivated vaccines may be given, but they may not work as well. Discuss the timing of any vaccine with your cancer team, and make sure your close contacts are up to date with their vaccinations to reduce the risk of infection spreading to you.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C in the original packaging
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the vial
✅ DO
Protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the vial in direct sunlight
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not store near food or drinks
✅ DO
Check the expiry date before use
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the solution is discoloured or contains particles
✅ DO
Dispose of unused medicine safely as advised by the hospital pharmacy
❌ DON'T
Do not pour unused medicine down the drain or throw it in household waste
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
This medicine is given in a hospital or cancer day-care setting, so travel should be planned around your treatment schedule. If you need to travel, carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your cancer specialist explaining your treatment. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and follow the storage instructions, which usually require refrigeration at 2–8°C. Check airline and customs rules for carrying prescription medicines, and carry enough medicine for your trip. Discuss any travel plans with your cancer team well in advance so that blood tests and treatment cycles can be arranged safely.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine is given into a vein by a trained nurse or doctor in a hospital or cancer day-care setting. It is usually given as a short infusion over several minutes.
A: The schedule depends on your cancer type and regimen, but it is commonly given once every 3 weeks. Your cancer team will decide the exact plan.
A: Watch for fever of 38°C or higher, chills, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, and swelling of the feet or ankles. Report these immediately.
A: Hair loss is common with this medicine, but it is usually temporary. Hair typically grows back after treatment ends, although it may take several months.
A: No. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for several months afterwards. Discuss family planning with your cancer team.
A: No. This medicine passes into breast milk and may harm the baby. Breastfeeding must be stopped before treatment begins.
A: You will need regular blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, and heart function tests such as an echocardiogram or MUGA scan before and during treatment.
A: Some medicines can interact with this medicine. Always tell your cancer team about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you take.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for biorubin 50mg injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
anthracin 50mg injectionDabur India Ltd ₹60.89 93.2% CHEAPER
-
erubin 50mg injectionRPG Life Sciences Ltd ₹597.00 33.7% CHEAPER
-
epineon 50mg injectionNeon Laboratories Ltd ₹637.63 29.2% CHEAPER
-
innorubicin 50mg injectionInnova Formulations Pvt Ltd ₹931.83 3.4% COSTLIER
-
epitero 50 injectionHetero Drugs Ltd ₹978.00 8.6% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be taken at home like a normal injection.
Fact: This medicine must be given only in a hospital or cancer day-care setting by a trained professional because of its serious risks. - Myth: Hair loss from this medicine is permanent.
Fact: Hair usually grows back after treatment ends, although it may take several months. - Myth: If I feel well, I do not need blood tests.
Fact: Blood counts can drop without symptoms, so regular tests are essential to keep treatment safe. - Myth: This medicine is safe in pregnancy.
Fact: This medicine can harm the unborn baby and must not be used during pregnancy. - Myth: Red urine after this medicine means bleeding.
Fact: Reddish urine for a day or two is a harmless colour change caused by the medicine, not bleeding.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Epirubicin injection
Brand Alternatives
- Biorubin 50mg injection