6 mins read

Overview: Vyxeos is used to treat certain types of leukemia. Common side effects include blood disorders, rash, fluid retention, and nausea and vomiting. Serious side effects may include severe bleeding and heart problems. Vyxeos is an injection that is given by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Vyxeos used for?

Vyxeos (daunorubicin/cytarabine) is commonly used to treat certain kinds of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a type of blood cancer.

Vyxeos may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vyxeos work (mechanism of action)?

Vyxeos is a type of chemotherapy that contains two medicines: daunorubicin and cytarabine. These medicines work together to keep cancer cells from growing, which can help slow or stop the spread of cancer.

How is Vyxeos supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vyxeos

Dosage forms and strengths

Vyxeos is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Vyxeos?

Vyxeos is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vyxeos?

The most common side effects of Vyxeos are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bleeding (see below)
  • Blood disorders
  • Rash
  • Fluid retention
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth sores
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Tiredness
  • Stomach pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Reduced appetite
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Infections
  • Chills
  • Sleep problems

There may be other side effects of Vyxeos that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vyxeos?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vyxeos are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vyxeos may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Bleeding. Vyxeos can increase your risk of bleeding. It commonly causes nosebleeds, but it can also rarely cause severe bleeding that can lead to death. Some people with serious bleeding may need a blood transfusion or surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while using Vyxeos.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (which look like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • New bruising or bleeding

Heart Failure. Vyxeos may increase your risk of heart failure. This risk may be higher in people who have heart disease or have had certain treatments in the past, such as radiation treatments. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Tissue Damage. Vyxeos is given as an infusion into a vein (IV). If the medicine does not go into your vein, it could damage nearby tissue. Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain, swelling, warmth, or skin color changes where the medicine is being given or was given.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vyxeos?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Vyxeos.

  • Cytarabine
  • Daunorubicin
  • Vyxeos
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vyxeos.

What should I know about Vyxeos before using it?

Vyxeos is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an infusion into a vein (IV).

It is important to attend all appointments for blood tests and heart checkups with your health care provider. They will use these tests to check your body’s response to Vyxeos and make sure it is safe for you to continue using the medicine.

Vyxeos may make it hard for you to get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

People aged 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Vyxeos. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vyxeos?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vyxeos is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems, including heart disease or heart failure
  • Bleeding problems, including easy bruising or bleeding
  • An infection or symptoms of an infection, such as a fever
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Wilson’s disease, which is a rare genetic disorder where copper builds up in the body, or other similar conditions

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vyxeos may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Vyxeos, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vyxeos may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider will likely make sure you are not pregnant before starting Vyxeos. If you can become pregnant or get your partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Vyxeos and for six months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vyxeos passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Vyxeos and for two weeks after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You may not be able to receive certain vaccines right before or while using Vyxeos. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

How can I get more information about Vyxeos?

For more information about Vyxeos, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vyxeos.com or call them at 800-833-3533.

Interactions

Does Vyxeos interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vyxeos and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vyxeos, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. Both Vyxeos and alcohol may also increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Vyxeos interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Vyxeos. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure.

  • Any medicine that can cause heart problems, such as other chemotherapy drugs for cancer
  • Any medicine that can cause liver problems, such as some pain relievers or antibiotics

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vyxeos. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vyxeos?

If you or someone else has used too much Vyxeos, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vyxeos?

Vyxeos is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Vyxeos as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Vyxeos dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.