Drug Class Description
Cytotoxics (anthracycline antibiotics).
Generic Name
Doxorubicin
Drug Description
One ml of Caelyx contains 2 mg doxorubicin hydrochloride in a pegylated liposomal formulation.Caelyx, a liposome formulation, is doxorubicin hydrochloride encapsulated in liposomes with surface-bound methoxypolyethylene glycol (MPEG). This process is known as pegylation and protects liposomes from detection by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), which increases blood circulation time.
Presentation
Concentrate for solution for infusionThe suspension is sterile, translucent and red.
Indications
Caelyx is indicated:
- As monotherapy for patients with metastatic breast cancer, where there is an increased cardiac risk.
- For treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in women who have failed a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen.
- In combination with bortezomib for the treatment of progressive multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy and who have already undergone or are unsuitable for bone marrow transplant.
- For treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in patients with low CD4 counts (< 200 CD4 lymphocytes/mm3) and extensive mucocutaneous or visceral disease.
Caelyx may be used as first-line systemic chemotherapy, or as second line chemotherapy in AIDS-KS patients with disease that has progressed with, or in patients intolerant to, prior combination systemic chemotherapy comprising at least two of the following agents: a vinca alkaloid, bleomycin and standard doxorubicin (or other anthracycline).
Adult Dosage
Caelyx should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified oncologist specialised in the administration of cytotoxic agents.
Caelyx exhibits unique pharmacokinetic properties and must not be used interchangeably with other formulations of doxorubicin hydrochloride.
Breast cancer/Ovarian cancer:
