Liposomal doxorubicin
- Medical Review: Kathryn Marino, MSN, FNP-C
Liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) is the chemotherapy medicine doxorubicin (Adriamycin) covered in a fatty layer called a liposome.
This chemotherapy is part of a class of chemotherapy medicines called anthracyclines.
How liposomal doxorubicin works
Doxorubicin damages the DNA inside cancer cells. The damage stops the cells from dividing, which causes them to die.
In liposomal doxorubicin, the fatty layer surrounding the doxorubicin decreases the risk of the chemotherapy weakening your heart muscle.
Who gets liposomal doxorubicin
Liposomal doxorubicin is FDA approved to treat HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, regardless of hormone receptor status.
Liposomal doxorubicin is considered for:
- People with increased risk of heart issues
- People with breast cancer that has already been treated with an anthracycline who may benefit from more anthracycline treatment
How liposomal doxorubicin is given
Liposomal doxorubicin is given by vein. It is typically given once every 4 weeks, though the exact schedule may vary depending on your individual diagnosis.
Side effects and things to remember
Different medicines have different side effects. You may not have every side effect related to each medicine. Side effects of liposomal doxorubicin include:
- Low red and white blood cell counts, and low platelet count
- Hand-and-foot syndrome
- Rash
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Allergic reactions
- Heart failure (weakening of the heart muscle)
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements and over-the counter-medicines, to make sure they will not interfere with your chemotherapy treatment.
Liposomal doxorubicin can rarely cause damage to the heart muscle that may lead to congestive heart failure, in which the heart muscle weakens and doesn’t pump blood well. Let your doctor know if you have a history of heart problems. Your care team may consider monitoring your heart health with echocardiograms.
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about all your side effects so that they can help you manage them. You can also go to our section on side effects for more information.
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Reviewed and updated: May 28, 2026
Reviewed by: Kathryn Marino, MSN, FNP-C
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