Epirubicin (Ellence)

General information

Class/mechanism: Anthracycline; binds and intercalates DNA, which triggers DNA cleavage by topoisomerase II; inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis. Inhibits DNA helicase activity, preventing enzymatic separation of double-stranded DNA.
Route: IV
Extravasation: vesicant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Bone cancer
• Breast cancer
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Hepatobiliary cancer
• Sarcoma
• Testicular cancer

Patient drug information

• Epirubicin (Ellence) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Brief patient counseling information can be found on pages 15-16 of the Epirubicin (Ellence) package insert
• Epirubicin (Ellence) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 9/15/1999: Initial FDA approval "as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer."

Also known as

Synonyms
Alrubicin	Anthracin	Binarin	Bioepicyna	Crisabon
E.P.R Elvetium	Ellence	EPI	EPI Cell	Epidoxo
Epifil	Epilem	Epirubicin	Epirubicina Microsules	Epirubicine
Epirubicin Ebewe	Epirubicine HCl PCH	Epirubicin Hexal	Epirubicin Hydrochloride	Epizin
Epricin	Eracin	Famorubicin	Farmorubicin	Farmorubicin-RTU
Farmorubicina	Farmorubicina CS	Farmorubicina PFS / RTU	Farmorubicin CS	Farmorubicin DR
Farmorubicine	Farmorubicine R.T.U.	Farmorubicine RTU	Farmorubicin HL	Farmorubicin PFS
Farmorubicin RD	Farmorubicin Solution	Pharmorubicin CS	Riboepi	Rubifarm
Trav Epirubicin	Vero Epirubicin