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DOXIL
doxorubicin hydrochloride · Injection, Suspension, Liposomal
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doxorubicin Hydrochloride | 2 mg/mL | 1790115 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Anthracycline Topoisomerase Inhibitor [EPC] | EPC | All 11 members |
| Anthracyclines [CS] | CS | All 11 members |
| Topoisomerase Inhibitors [MoA] | MoA | All 22 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 050718-001 | DOXIL (LIPOSOMAL) | INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL | DOXORUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AB | RLD | |
| 050718-002 | DOXIL (LIPOSOMAL) | INJECTABLE, LIPOSOMAL | DOXORUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AB | RLD |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 64 | Labeling | Approved | March 10, 2026 | Standard |
| Supplement | 60 | Labeling | Approved | May 6, 2022 | Standard |
| Supplement | 55 | Labeling | Approved | August 12, 2019 | Standard |
| Supplement | 51 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 29, 2016 | N/A |
| Supplement | 50 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 28, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 49 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | October 9, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 48 | Efficacy | Approved | April 16, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 46 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | January 22, 2015 | Standard |
| Supplement | 47 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 14, 2014 | Standard |
| Supplement | 31 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 12, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 45 | Labeling | Approved | August 30, 2013 | Standard |
| Supplement | 43 | Labeling | Approved | September 19, 2012 | Standard |
| Supplement | 33 | Efficacy | Approved | June 10, 2008 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 29 | Efficacy | Approved | May 17, 2007 | Priority |
| Supplement | 28 | Labeling | Approved | May 17, 2007 | Standard |
| Supplement | 20 | Efficacy | Approved | January 28, 2005 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 19 | Efficacy | Approved | October 27, 2004 | Unknown |
| Supplement | 16 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | December 17, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 14 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | August 9, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 12 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | April 18, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | January 10, 2002 | Standard |
| Supplement | 8 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | June 13, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 30, 2000 | Standard |
| Supplement | 6 | Efficacy | Approved | June 28, 1999 | Priority |
| Supplement | 5 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 31, 1998 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | July 31, 1997 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | July 10, 1996 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | March 8, 1996 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Type 3 - New Dosage Form | Approved | November 17, 1995 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Supplement · March 12, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · March 12, 2026
- 0 · Supplement · May 11, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · May 9, 2022
- 0 · Supplement · April 7, 2021
- 0 · Supplement · August 13, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · August 13, 2019
- 0 · Supplement · December 6, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · July 20, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · May 17, 2017
- 0 · Supplement · December 29, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · April 17, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · April 17, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · January 29, 2015
- 0 · Supplement · September 9, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · September 4, 2013
- 0 · Supplement · September 24, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · September 20, 2012
- 0 · Supplement · October 10, 2011
- 0 · Supplement · July 17, 2008
- 0 · Supplement · June 19, 2008
- 0 · Supplement · June 13, 2008
- 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · May 29, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · May 18, 2007
- 0 · Supplement · February 3, 2005
- 0 · Supplement · February 3, 2005
- 0 · Supplement · November 1, 2004
- 0 · Supplement · October 29, 2004
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260310). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY and INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS • DOXIL liposomal infusion can cause myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure. The risk of cardiomyopathy was 11% when the cumulative anthracycline dose was between 450 mg/m 2 to 550 mg/m 2 . Assess left ventricular cardiac function prior to initiation of DOXIL liposomal infusion and during and after treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • Serious, life-threatening, and fatal infusion-related reactions can occur with DOXIL liposomal infusion Acute infusion-related reactions occurred in 11% of patients with solid tumors. Withhold DOXIL liposomal infusion for infusion-related reactions and resume at a reduced rate. Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion for serious or life-threatening infusion-related reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY and INFUSION- RELATED REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • DOXIL liposomal infusion can cause myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure. The risk of cardiomyopathy was 11% when the cumulative anthracycline dose was between 450 mg/m 2 to 550 mg/m 2 . Assess left ventricular cardiac function prior to initiation of DOXIL liposomal infusion, during treatment, and after treatment ( 5.1 ). • Serious, life-threatening, and fatal infusion‐related reactions can occur. Acute infusion-related reactions occurred in 11% of patients with solid tumors. Withhold DOXIL liposomal infusion for infusion-related reactions and resume at a reduced rate. Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion for serious or life-threatening infusion-related reactions ( 5.2 ).
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DOXIL liposomal infusion is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor indicated for: • Ovarian cancer: After failure of platinum-based chemotherapy ( 1.1 ) • AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma: After failure of prior systemic chemotherapy or intolerance to such therapy ( 1.2 ) • Multiple Myeloma: In combination with bortezomib in patients who have not previously received bortezomib and have received at least one prior therapy ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Ovarian Cancer DOXIL liposomal infusion is indicated for the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer whose disease has progressed or recurred after platinum-based chemotherapy. 1.2 AIDS-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma DOXIL liposomal infusion is indicated for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in patients after failure of prior systemic chemotherapy or intolerance to such therapy. 1.3 Multiple Myeloma DOXIL liposomal infusion, in combination with bortezomib, is indicated for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma who have not previously received bortezomib and have received at least one prior therapy.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer DOXIL liposomal infusion at an initial rate of 1 mg/min to minimize the risk of infusion reactions. If no infusion-related reactions occur, increase rate of infusion to complete administration over 1 hour. Do not administer as bolus injection or undiluted solution ( 2 ). • Ovarian cancer: 50 mg/m 2 intravenously every 4 weeks ( 2.2 ) • AIDS-related Kaposi’s Sarcoma: 20 mg/m 2 intravenously every 3 weeks ( 2.3 ) • Multiple Myeloma: 30 mg/m 2 intravenously on day 4 following bortezomib ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Important Use Information Do not substitute DOXIL liposomal infusion for other doxorubicin hydrochloride products. Do not administer as an undiluted suspension or as an intravenous bolus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . 2.2 Ovarian Cancer The recommended dose of DOXIL liposomal infusion is 50 mg/m 2 intravenously over 60 minutes every 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 2.3 AIDS-Related Kaposi’s Sarcoma The recommended dose of DOXIL liposomal infusion is 20 mg/m 2 intravenously over 60 minutes every 21 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 2.4 Multiple Myeloma The recommended dose of DOXIL liposomal infusion is 30 mg/m 2 intravenously over 60 minutes on day 4 of each 21-day cycle for eight cycles or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Administer DOXIL liposomal infusion after bortezomib on day 4 of each cycle [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . 2.5 Dose Modifications for Adverse Reactions Do not increase DOXIL liposomal infusion after a dose reduction for toxicity. Table 1: Recommended Dose Modifications for Hand-Foot Syndrome, Stomatitis, or Hematologic Adverse Reactions Toxicity Dose Adjustment Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) Grade 1: Mild erythema, swelling, or desquamation not interfering with daily activities • If no previous Grade 3 or 4 HFS: no dose adjustment. • If previous Grade 3 or 4 HFS: delay dose up to 2 weeks, then decrease dose by 25%. Grade 2: Erythema, desquamation, or swelling interfering with, but not precluding normal physical activities; small blisters or ulcerations less than 2 cm in diameter • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1. • Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion if no resolution after 2 weeks. • If resolved to Grade 0–1 within 2 weeks: o And no previous Grade 3 or 4 HFS: continue treatment at previous dose. o And previous Grade 3 or 4 toxicity: decrease dose by 25%. Grade 3: Blistering, ulceration, or swelling interfering with walking or normal daily activities; cannot wear regular clothing • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1, then decrease dose by 25%. • Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion if no resolution after 2 weeks. Grade 4: Diffuse or local process causing infectious complications, or a bed ridden state or hospitalization • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1, then decrease dose by 25%. • Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion if no resolution after 2 weeks. Stomatitis Grade 1: Painless ulcers, erythema, or mild soreness • If no previous Grade 3 or 4 toxicity: no dose adjustment. • If previous Grade 3 or 4 toxicity: delay up to 2 weeks then decrease dose by 25%. Grade 2: Painful erythema, edema, or ulcers, but can eat • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1. • Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion if there is no resolution after 2 weeks. • If resolved to Grade 0–1 within 2 weeks: o And no previous Grade 3 or 4 stomatitis: resume treatment at previous dose. o And previous Grade 3 or 4 toxicity: decrease dose by 25%. Grade 3: Painful erythema, edema, or ulcers, and cannot eat • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1. Decrease dose by 25% and return to original dose interval. • If after 2 weeks there is no resolution, discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion. Grade 4: Requires parenteral or enteral support • Delay dosing up to 2 weeks or until resolved to Grade 0–1. Decrease dose by 25% and return to original …
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS DOXIL (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection): 20 mg/10 mL (2 mg/mL) and 50 mg/25 mL (2 mg/mL) translucent, red liposomal dispersion in single dose vials. Doxorubicin hydrochloride liposomal injection: 20 mg/10 mL (2 mg/mL) and 50 mg/25 mL (2 mg/mL) in single dose vials ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DOXIL liposomal infusion is contraindicated in patients who have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, to doxorubicin hydrochloride [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. • Hypersensitivity reactions to doxorubicin hydrochloride or the components of DOXIL liposomal infusion ( 4 , 5.2 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Hand-Foot Syndrome may occur. Dose modification or discontinuation may be required ( 5.3 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise of potential risk to a fetus. Use effective contraception ( 5.5 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Cardiomyopathy Doxorubicin hydrochloride can cause myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure. The risk of cardiomyopathy with doxorubicin hydrochloride is generally proportional to the cumulative exposure. Include prior use of other anthracyclines or anthracenediones in calculations of cumulative dose. The risk of cardiomyopathy may be increased at lower cumulative doses in patients with prior mediastinal irradiation. In a clinical study in 250 patients with advanced cancer who were treated with DOXIL liposomal infusion, the risk of cardiomyopathy was 11% when the cumulative anthracycline dose was between 450 mg/m 2 to 550 mg/m 2 . Cardiomyopathy was defined as >20% decrease in resting left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline where LVEF remained in the normal range or a >10% decrease in LVEF from baseline where LVEF was less than the institutional lower limit of normal. Two percent of patients developed signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure without documented evidence of cardiomyopathy. Assess left ventricular cardiac function (e.g. MUGA or echocardiogram) prior to initiation of DOXIL liposomal infusion, during treatment to detect acute changes, and after treatment to detect delayed cardiomyopathy. Administer DOXIL liposomal infusion to patients with a history of cardiovascular disease only when the potential benefit of treatment outweighs the risk. 5.2 Infusion-Related Reactions Serious, life-threatening, and fatal infusion-related reactions characterized by one or more of the following symptoms can occur with DOXIL liposomal infusion: flushing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, headache, chills, chest pain, back pain, tightness in the chest and throat, fever, tachycardia, pruritus, rash, cyanosis, syncope, bronchospasm, asthma, apnea, and hypotension. Of 239 patients with ovarian cancer treated with DOXIL liposomal infusion in Trial 4, 7% of patients experienced acute infusion-related reactions resulting in dose interruption. All occurred during cycle 1 and none during subsequent cycles. Across multiple studies of DOXIL liposomal infusion monotherapy including this and other studies enrolling 760 patients with various solid tumors, 11% of patients had infusion-related reactions. The majority of infusion-related events occurred during the first infusion. Ensure that medications to treat infusion-related reactions and cardiopulmonary resuscitative equipment are available for immediate use prior to initiation of DOXIL liposomal infusion. Initiate DOXIL liposomal infusions at a rate of 1 mg/min and increase rate as tolerated [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) ] . Withhold DOXIL liposomal infusion for Grade 1, 2, or 3 infusion-related reactions and resume at a reduced infusion rate. Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion for serious or life-threatening infusion-related reactions. 5.3 Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) In Trial 4, the incidence of HFS was 51% of patients in the DOXIL liposomal infusion arm and 0.9% of patients in the topotecan arm, including 24% Grade 3 or 4 cases of HFS in DOXIL liposomal infusion-treated patients and no Grade 3 or 4 cases in topotecan-treated patients. HFS or other skin toxicity required discontinuation of DOXIL liposomal infusion in 4.2% of patients. HFS was generally observed after 2 or 3 cycles of treatment but may occur earlier. Delay DOXIL liposomal infusion for the first episode of Grade 2 or greater HFS [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Discontinue DOXIL liposomal infusion if HFS is severe and debilitating. 5.4 Secondary Oral Neoplasms Secondary oral cancers, primarily squamous cell carcinoma, have been reported from post-marketing experience in patients with long-term (more than one year) expos …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling. • Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Hand-Foot Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Secondary Oral Neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Most common adverse reactions (>20%) are asthenia, fatigue, fever, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhea, constipation, hand-foot syndrome, rash, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS contact Baxter Healthcare at 1-866-888-2472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, the adverse reaction rates observed cannot be directly compared to rates on other clinical trials and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. The safety data reflect exposure to DOXIL liposomal infusion in 1310 patients including: 239 patients with ovarian cancer, 753 patients with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma, and 318 patients with multiple myeloma. The most common adverse reactions (>20%) observed with DOXIL liposomal infusion are asthenia, fatigue, fever, nausea, stomatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, hand-foot syndrome, rash and neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia. The following tables present adverse reactions from clinical trials of single-agent DOXIL liposomal infusion in ovarian cancer and AIDS-Related Kaposi’s sarcoma. Patients With Ovarian Cancer The safety data described below are from Trial 4, which included 239 patients with ovarian cancer treated with DOXIL liposomal infusion 50 mg/m 2 once every 4 weeks for a minimum of four courses in a randomized, multicenter, open-label study. In this trial, patients received DOXIL liposomal infusion for a median number of 3.2 months (range 1 day to 25.8 months). The median age of the patients is 60 years (range 27 to 87), with 91% Caucasian, 6% Black, and 3% Hispanic or Other. Table 3 presents the hematologic adverse reactions from Trial 4. Table 3: Hematologic Adverse Reactions in Trial 4 DOXIL Liposomal Infusion Patients (n=239) Topotecan Patients (n=235) Neutropenia 500 – <1000/mm 3 8% 14% <500/mm 3 4.2% 62% Anemia 6.5 – <8 g/dL 5% 25% < 6.5 g/dL 0.4% 4.3% Thrombocytopenia 10,000 – <50,000/mm 3 1.3% 17% <10,000/mm 3 0.0% 17% Table 4 presents the non-hematologic adverse reactions from Trial 4. Table 4: Non-Hematologic Adverse Reactions in Trial 4 Non-Hematologic Adverse Reaction 10% or Greater DOXIL Liposomal Infusion (%) treated (n=239) Topotecan (%) treated (n=235) All grades Grades 3–4 All grades Grades 3–4 Body as a Whole Asthenia 40 7 52 8 Fever 21 0.8 31 6 Mucous Membrane Disorder 14 3.8 3.4 0 Back Pain 12 1.7 10 0.9 Infection 12 2.1 6 0.9 Headache 11 0.8 15 0 Digestive Nausea 46 5 63 8 Stomatitis 41 8 15 0.4 Vomiting 33 8 44 10 Diarrhea 21 2.5 35 4.2 Anorexia 20 2.5 22 1.3 Dyspepsia 12 0.8 14 0 Nervous Dizziness 4.2 0 10 0 Respiratory Pharyngitis 16 0 18 0.4 Dyspnea 15 4.1 23 4.3 Cough increased 10 0 12 0 Skin and Appendages Hand-foot syndrome 51 24 0.9 0 Rash 29 4.2 12 0.4 Alopecia 19 N/A 52 N/A The following additional adverse reactions were observed in patients with ovarian cancer with doses administered every four weeks (Trial 4). Incidence 1% to 10% Cardiovascular: vasodilation, tachycardia, deep vein thrombosis, hypotension, cardiac arrest. Digestive: oral moniliasis, mouth ulceration, esophagitis, dysphagia, rectal bleeding, ileus. Hematologic and Lymphatic: ecchymosis. Metabolic and Nutritional: dehydration, weight loss, hyperbilirubinemia, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, hyponatremia. Nervous: somnolence, dizziness, depression. Respiratory: rhinitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, epistaxis. Skin and Appendages: pruritus, skin discoloration, vesiculobullous rash, maculopapular rash, exfoliative dermatitis, herpes zoster, dry skin, herpes simple …
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug Labeling7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with DOXIL liposomal infusion.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation: Discontinue breastfeeding ( 8.2 ). 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings in animals and its mechanism of action, DOXIL liposomal infusion can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman; avoid the use of DOXIL liposomal infusion during the 1 st trimester. In animal reproduction studies, DOXIL liposomal infusion was embryotoxic in rats and abortifacient in rabbits following intravenous administration during organogenesis at doses approximately 0.12 times the recommended clinical dose (see Data ) . Available human data do not establish the presence or absence of major birth defects and miscarriage related to the use of doxorubicin hydrochloride during the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2–4% and of miscarriage is 15–20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data DOXIL liposomal infusion was embryotoxic at doses of 1 mg/kg/day in rats and was embryotoxic and abortifacient at 0.5 mg/kg/day in rabbits (both doses are about 0.12 times the recommended dose of 50 mg/m 2 human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). Embryotoxicity was characterized by increased embryo-fetal deaths and reduced live litter sizes. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether DOXIL liposomal infusion is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including anthracyclines, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from DOXIL liposomal infusion, discontinue breastfeeding during treatment with DOXIL liposomal infusion. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating DOXIL liposomal infusion. Contraception Females DOXIL liposomal infusion can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during and for 6 months after treatment with DOXIL liposomal infusion. Males DOXIL liposomal infusion may damage spermatozoa and testicular tissue, resulting in possible genetic fetal abnormalities. Males with female sexual partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during and for 6 months after treatment with DOXIL liposomal infusion [see Non-clinical Toxicology (13.1) ]. Infertility Females In females of reproductive potential, DOXIL liposomal infusion may cause infertility and result in amenorrhea. Premature menopause can occur with doxorubicin hydrochloride. Recovery of menses and ovulation is related to age at treatment . Males DOXIL liposomal infusion may result in oligospermia, azoospermia, and permanent loss of fertility. Sperm counts have been reported to return to normal levels in some men. This may occur several years after the end of therapy [see Non-clinical Toxicology (13.1) ] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of DOXIL liposomal infusion in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of DOXIL liposomal infusion conducted in patients with either epithelial ovarian cancer (Trial 4) or with AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma (Trial 5) did not contain sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In Trial 6, of 318 patients treated with DOXIL liposomal infusion in combination with bortezomib for multiple myeloma, 37% were 65 years of age or older and 8% were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger patients. 8.6 Hepatic Impairment The pharmacokinetics of DOXIL liposomal infusion has not been adequately evaluated in patients with hepatic impairment. Doxorubicin is el …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The active ingredient of DOXIL liposomal infusion is doxorubicin hydrochloride. The mechanism of action of doxorubicin hydrochloride is thought to be related to its ability to bind DNA and inhibit nucleic acid synthesis. Cell structure studies have demonstrated rapid cell penetration and perinuclear chromatin binding, rapid inhibition of mitotic activity and nucleic acid synthesis, and induction of mutagenesis and chromosomal aberrations.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION The active ingredient in DOXIL liposomal infusion is doxorubicin hydrochloride, an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor, that is encapsulated in STEALTH liposomes for intravenous use. The chemical name of doxorubicin hydrochloride is (8S,10S)-10-[(3-amino-2,3,6‐trideoxy-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-8-glycolyl-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,8,11‐trihydroxy-1-methoxy-5,12-naphthacenedione hydrochloride. The molecular formula is C27-H29 -NO11•HCl and the molecular weight is 579.99. The structural formula is: DOXIL liposomal infusion is a sterile, translucent, red liposomal dispersion. Each single-dose vial contains 20 mg or 50 mg doxorubicin hydrochloride at a concentration of 2 mg/mL (equivalent to 1.87 mg/mL of doxorubicin). The STEALTH liposome carriers are composed of cholesterol, 3.19 mg/mL; fully hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), 9.58 mg/mL; and N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethylene glycol 2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine sodium salt (MPEG-DSPE), 3.19 mg/mL. Each mL also contains ammonium sulfate, approximately 0.6 mg; histidine, 1.55 mg as a buffer; hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added for pH adjustment (6.0 to 7.0); and sucrose, 94 mg to maintain isotonicity. Greater than 90% of the drug is encapsulated in the STEALTH liposomes. MPEG-DSPE has the following structural formula: HSPC has the following structural formula: Representation of a STEALTH liposome: image-01-doxil-structural-formula image-02-mpge-dspe-structural-formula image-03-hspc-structural-formula image-04-stealth-liposome
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSAGE Acute overdosage with doxorubicin hydrochloride causes increased risk of severe mucositis, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING DOXIL (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection) is a sterile, translucent, red liposomal dispersion in 10-mL or 30-mL glass, single-dose vials. The following individually cartoned vials are available: Table 14 vial concentration vial size NDC #s 20 mg/10 mL (2 mg/ mL) 10-mL 0338-9667-01 50 mg/25 mL (2 mg/mL) 30-mL 0338-9665-01 Refrigerate unopened vials of DOXIL (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection) at 2°C- 8°C (36°F- 46°F). Do not freeze. Discard unused portion. DOXIL liposomal infusion is a cytotoxic drug. Follow applicable special handling and disposal procedures. 1
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DOXORUBICIN HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | October 25, 2023 | Baxter Healthcare Corporation | CGMP Deviations: Product was exposed to temperatures exceeding the labeled storage conditions during transportation were released by mistake. | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0338-0063-01 | 0338-0063 | Baxter Healthcare Company | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (0338-0063-01) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | August 13, 2019 |
| 0338-0067-01 | 0338-0067 | Baxter Healthcare Company | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE in 1 CARTON (0338-0067-01) / 25 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-USE | August 13, 2019 |
| 0338-9665-01 | 0338-9665 | Baxter Healthcare Corporation | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0338-9665-01) / 25 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | August 26, 2024 |
| 0338-9667-01 | 0338-9667 | Baxter Healthcare Corporation | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0338-9667-01) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | August 26, 2024 |
| 0338-0063 | 0338-0063 | Baxter Healthcare Company | — | August 13, 2019 |
| 0338-0067 | 0338-0067 | Baxter Healthcare Company | — | August 13, 2019 |
| 0338-9665 | 0338-9665 | Baxter Healthcare Corporation | — | August 26, 2024 |
| 0338-9667 | 0338-9667 | Baxter Healthcare Corporation | — | August 26, 2024 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.