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Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin Side Effects

Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOPCydnee Ng, PharmD
Reviewed by Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOP, Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 4, 2025

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

  • Lower appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Weakness
  • Rash
  • Nail changes

Doxorubicin serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Serious infection: temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with or without other symptoms, such as chills, cough, muscle aches, very fast heartbeat, confusion
  • Low red blood cell count or low platelets: severe tiredness, nosebleeds, unexplained bruising
  • Heart problems: trouble breathing, swelling in the legs, severe fatigue, irregular heartbeats

Source: DailyMed

The following Doxorubicin side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Cough or hoarseness accompanied by fever or chills

darkening or redness of the skin (if you recently had radiation treatment)

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever or chills

joint pain

lower back or side pain accompanied by fever or chills

pain at the injection site

painful or difficult urination accompanied by fever or chills

red streaks along the injected vein

shortness of breath

stomach pain

swelling of the feet and lower legs

Rare

Black, tarry stools

blood in the urine

pinpoint red spots on the skin

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Hair loss, thinning of hair

nausea and vomiting

sores in the mouth and on the lips

Less common

Darkening of the soles, palms, or nails

diarrhea

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

Fast or irregular heartbeat

shortness of breath

swelling of the feet and lower legs

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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