CAELYX 20 MG 10 ML 1 FLC

CAELYX (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome Injection) is a formulation of doxorubicin encapsulated in liposomes. It is available in a 20 mg/10 ml concentration. This liposomal formulation is designed to improve the delivery of doxorubicin to cancer cells while minimizing its exposure to healthy tissues, which helps reduce side effects.

How CAELYX Works

Mechanism of Action

1. Liposomal Encapsulation:
   • Doxorubicin is enclosed in liposomes, which are microscopic lipid spheres. This encapsulation helps the drug to circulate in the bloodstream for a longer period and enhances its accumulation in tumor tissues.
2. DNA Intercalation:
   • Inside cancer cells, doxorubicin intercalates between DNA base pairs, disrupting DNA replication and transcription. This interference leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (programmed cell death).
3. Reduced Toxicity:
   • The liposomal formulation reduces the drug’s toxicity to healthy tissues, particularly the heart, which is a common side effect of conventional doxorubicin.
4. Enhanced Drug Delivery:
   • Liposomes facilitate the targeted delivery of doxorubicin to tumors, potentially improving the efficacy of treatment while lowering systemic side effects.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and Vomiting:
  • Often experienced but can be managed with antiemetic medications.
• Fatigue:
  • General tiredness and weakness are common.
• Rash:
  • Skin reactions, including rash, may occur.

Serious Side Effects

• Cardiotoxicity:
  • While less common with the liposomal formulation, there is still a risk of heart damage.
• Myelosuppression:
  • Can lead to decreased blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding.
• Infusion-Related Reactions:
  • Allergic reactions or infusion-related symptoms, such as fever, chills, and itching, may occur.
• Hand-Foot Syndrome:
  • Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Indications

CAELYX is indicated for:

• Ovarian Cancer:
  • Used in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, often in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
• Breast Cancer:
  • Indicated for the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in cases where the disease has recurred or is resistant to other treatments.
• Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
  • Effective in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma associated with HIV infection.
• Multiple Myeloma:
  • Used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Contraindications

CAELYX should not be used in the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity:
  • Known hypersensitivity to doxorubicin or any component of the formulation.
• Severe Heart Disease:
  • Contraindicated in patients with severe heart conditions due to the risk of cardiotoxicity.
• Severe Liver Impairment:
  • Caution is required in patients with severe liver dysfunction due to altered drug metabolism.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the fetus or infant.

Price in Different Countries

The price of CAELYX can vary by region and healthcare system. Below is a table with approximate prices and references for further details.

Country	Price (Per 10 ml FLC)	Reference
United States	$1,500 – $2,000	GoodRx
United Kingdom	£1,200 – £1,500	NHS UK
Canada	CAD $2,000 – $2,500	Canada Health
Australia	AUD $2,500 – $3,000	PBS Australia
India	₹100,000 – ₹120,000	1mg

Top 5 Global Brands

Here are some of the top global brands and alternatives for Doxorubicin:

1. CAELYX – Janssen Pharmaceuticals:
   • The primary brand for liposomal doxorubicin.
2. DOXIL – Janssen Pharmaceuticals:
   • Another brand of liposomal doxorubicin, commonly used interchangeably with CAELYX.
3. LIPODOX – Various Manufacturers:
   • An alternative liposomal formulation of doxorubicin.
4. DOXORUBICIN (Generic) – Various Manufacturers:
   • Multiple generic versions of doxorubicin are available.
5. Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Injection (Generic) – Various Companies:
   • Several pharmaceutical companies produce generic doxorubicin injections.