What is Ellence used for?
Ellence is used together with other chemotherapy
drugs to treat breast cancer that has spread to the lymph
nodes under the arm following breast cancer surgery.
Who should not be given Ellence?
You should not be given Ellence if you have had any
of the following conditions:
- Low levels of white blood cells in the body
- Severe heart failure
- Recent heart attack
- Treatment in the past with this class of drugs (anthracyclines)
up to the maximum total dose
- Allergic reactions to Ellence or other similar
medications
- Severe liver problems
Special Warning(s) with Ellence:
Side effects involving the heart are a known risk of
treatment with this class of drugs. Side effects may occur
during treatment or even after you have stopped taking Ellence.
Discuss with your doctor the possible short and long-term side
effects of being given Ellence.
Treatment with Ellence can cause leukemia, which may
not be seen for up to 3 years following treatment. Talk to
your doctor about follow-up medical examinations.
If you have liver problems, your doctor will decide
if Ellence is right for you.
Ellence may temporarily cause a decrease in your
body’s ability to produce bone marrow, which is needed to form
several components of the blood.
General Precautions with Ellence:
Ellence may cause premature menopause in women.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Because certain other medications can interact with
Ellence, review all medications that you are taking with your
health care provider, including those that you take without a
prescription.
Tell your doctor right away about any side effects
you experience. Ellence, when used with certain other
medications, may show a combined increase in side effects.
Some examples of these types of medications are:
- Chemotherapy medications
- Medications that could cause heart failure (e.g.,
calcium channel blockers)
- Cimetidine
If you have been treated with radiation in the past,
Ellence may cause an inflammation reaction (swelling,
tenderness, or redness) at the site of that treatment.
Tell your health care provider if you are trying to
become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Because Ellence may cause birth defects, women of childbearing
age should avoid becoming pregnant and stop nursing while
taking Ellence.
Men and women being treated with Ellence should use
effective birth control methods, because Ellence can cause
damage to men’s sperm and can cause damage to the unborn baby
in women.
What are some possible side effects of Ellence?
(This is NOT a complete list of side
effects reported with Ellence. Your health care provider can
discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the
following possible side effects while being treated with
Ellence:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Dehydration (lack of fluids)
- Fever
- Signs of infection
- Symptoms of congestive heart failure (such as
ankle swelling, shortness of breath)
- Pain, burning or stinging at the injection site
Do not be concerned if your urine appears red for
1-2 days after being given Ellence.
Other side effects include:
- Hair loss (usually reversible after treatment is
finished)
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Temporary or permanent loss of menstrual cycle in
women
- Feeling tired
- Hot flashes
- Rash/Itch
For more detailed information about Ellence, ask your
health care provider.
Ellence's Approved Label
|