Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu
Pfizer logo

idamycin pfs

Pharmaranks rates Idamycin Pfs 3.2/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Idamycin Pfs (Idarubicin Hydrochloride) is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor used to treat Breast Neoplasms, Bcr-Abl Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma.

Idarubicin Hydrochloride · by Pfizer

Available as a generic: Idarubicin Hydrochloride

64/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 17, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Idarubicin Hydrochloride
Form
Solution
Strength
Idarubicin Hydrochloride 5MG/5ML (1MG/ML)
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Pfizer
FDA application
NDA050734

What is Idamycin Pfs?

From the FDA label:IDAMYCIN PFS contains idarubicin hydrochloride, which is an anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor. Chemically, idarubicin hydrochloride is 5, 12-Naphthacenedione, 9-acetyl-7-[(3-amino-2,3,6-trideoxy-α-L-lyxo-hexopyranosyl)oxy]-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-6,9,11-trihydroxyhydrochloride, (7S- cis ). The structural formula is as follows: C 26 H 27 NO 9 ∙HCl M.W. 533.96 IDAMYCIN PFS injection, for intravenous use, is a sterile, orange-red, isotonic parenteral preservative-free solution, available in 5 mL (5 mg), 10 mL (10 mg), and 20 mL (20 mg) single-dose only vials. Each mL contains idarubicin hydrochloride, USP 1 mg (equivalent to 0.93 mg idarubicin free base) and the following inactive ingredients: Glycerin, USP 25 mg and Water for Injection, USP q.s. Hydrochloric Acid, NF is used to adjust the pH to a target of 3.5. chemical structure

How to use

Induction Therapy • 12 mg/m 2 intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes on days 1, 2, and 3 of induction in combination with cytarabine 100 mg/m 2 by continuous intravenous infusion daily for 7 days or cytarabine 25 mg/m 2 intravenous bolus followed by cytarabine 200 mg/m 2 continuous intravenous infusion daily for 5 days. (2.1) • IDAMYCIN PFS can be given as part of a combination regimen with other chemotherapeutic drugs. (2.1) • Renal Impairment: Assess renal function prior to therapy. Reduce dosage in renal impairment. ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) • Hepatic Impairment: Assess hepatic function prior to therapy. Avoid or reduce dosage in hepatic impairment. ( 2.4 , 8.7 ) See full prescribing information for preparation and administration instructions. (2.5 , 2.6) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Administer IDAMYCIN PFS 12 mg/m 2 intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes on days 1, 2, and 3 of induction in combination with cytarabine. The cytarabine may be given as 100 mg/m 2 by continuous intravenous infusion daily for 7 days or as cytarabine 25 mg/m 2 intravenous bolus followed by cytarabine 200 mg/m 2 continuous intravenous infusion daily for 5 days. If a response is not achieved with the first induction cycle, a second induction cycle may be administered. Other dosage regimens may be used for a second induction cycle. Individualize the dose and dosing schedule of IDAMYCIN PFS based on the specific regimen…

Side effects

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Severe Local Tissue Necrosis with Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Severe Myelosuppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Most common adverse reactions (≥30%) are infection, nausea/vomiting, alopecia, abdominal pain/diarrhea, hemorrhage, mucositis, dermatologic, mental status changes, and pulmonary disorders. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of IDAMYCIN PFS in combination with cytarabine has been evaluated in four controlled clinical studies with 823 patients with AML randomized to receive idarubicin hydrochloride (n=401) or daunorubicin (n=422) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Southeastern Cancer Study Group…

FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)

Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label

CARDIOMYOPATHY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, and EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS • Cardiomyopathy: IDAMYCIN PFS can cause myocardial damage, including acute left ventricular failure, during or after termination of therapy. The risk of cardiomyopathy is increased in patients who have received prior anthracyclines or who have pre-existing cardiac disease. Assess left ventricular cardiac function prior to initiation of IDAMYCIN PFS and during and after treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . • Secondary Malignancies: Secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occur at a higher incidence in patients treated with anthracyclines, including IDAMYCIN PFS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . • Extravasation and Tissue Necrosis: Extravasation of IDAMYCIN PFS during administration can result in local tissue injury and necrosis. Immediately terminate the infusion of IDAMYCIN PFS and institute the recommended management procedures [see Dosage and Administration (2.6) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . WARNING: CARDIOMYOPATHY, SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES, and EXTRAVASATION AND TISSUE NECROSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Cardiomyopathy: Myocardial damage leading to congestive heart failure can occur with IDAMYCIN PFS. Assess left ventricular cardiac function prior to initiation of IDAMYCIN PFS and during and after treatment. (5.1) • Secondary Malignancies: Secondary acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) occur at a higher incidence in patients treated with anthracyclines, including IDAMYCIN PFS. (5.2) • Extravasation of IDAMYCIN PFS during administration can result in local tissue injury and necrosis. Immediately discontinue the IDAMYCIN PFS infusion if extravasation occurs. ( 2.6 , 5.3 )

Warnings

Important safety information

Myelosuppression : Severe myelosuppression resulting in severe infection, septic shock, hemorrhage, or death may occur. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment and closely monitor patients during treatment for possible clinical complications due to myelosuppression. (5.4) • Tumor Lysis Syndrome : During treatment, monitor blood chemistries and manage promptly. Treat as clinically indicated. (5.5) • Hypersensitivity : Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions and manage as clinically indicated. (5.6) • Renal Impairment : Assess renal function prior to and during treatment. Reduce the dose in patients on dialysis or those with GFR <30 mL/min. ( 2.3 , 5.7 , 8.6 ) • Hepatic Impairment : Obtain liver tests prior to and during therapy. Reduce dose in patients with serum bilirubin levels of 2.6 to 5 mg/dL. Avoid use in patients with serum bilirubin greater than 5 mg/dL. ( 2.4 , 5.8 , 8.7 ) • Embryo-Fetal Toxicity : Can cause fetal harm. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.9 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Cardiomyopathy IDAMYCIN PFS can cause myocardial damage, including left ventricular failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF). In pediatric patients, anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy included impaired left ventricular systolic performance, reduced contractility, congestive heart failure, or death. Cardiomyopathy may develop during treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS or up to several years after completion of treatment. Cases of pericarditis and myocarditis have also been reported at a lower incidence and may not be dose related. The risk of cardiomyopathy is generally proportional to the cumulative exposure to anthracycline drugs. Include prior doses of other anthracyclines or anthracenediones in calculations of total cumulative dosage for idarubicin hydrochloride. In adult patients, at cumulative doses exceeding 90 mg/m 2 of idarubicin hydrochloride, there is an increased incidence of drug-induced congestive heart failure. The tolerable limit may be lower in patients who received radiation therapy to the mediastinum. Concomitant use of cardiotoxic drugs may increase the risk of idarubicin-induced cardiac toxicity or may result in cardiotoxicity at a lower cumulative anthracycline dose. Calculate the lifetime cumulative anthracycline exposure prior to each cycle of IDAMYCIN PFS. IDAMYCIN PFS use is not recommended in patients whose lifetime anthracycline exposure has reached the maximum cumulative limit. Assess left ventricular cardiac function (e.g., MUGA or echocardiogram) prior to initiation of IDAMYCIN PFS. Perform serial cardiac monitoring, which may include electrocardiograms and/or determination of systolic ejection fraction, in all patients during treatment to detect acute changes and after treatment to detect delayed cardiotoxicity. Increase the frequency of assessments as the cumulative anthracycline dose increases or in patients with risk factors for cardiac toxicity. Consider long-term periodic evaluation of cardiac function in these patients. Adults 65 years of age and older, or with pre-existing cardiac disease, may have an increased risk of anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity, or may experience cardiotoxicity at a lower cumulative anthracycline dose. Discontinue IDAMYCIN PFS in patients who develop signs or symptoms of cardiomyopathy. 5.2 Secondary Malignancies The risk of developing secondary AML and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is increased following treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS. AML and MDS have occurred in patients treated with anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors when used in combination with other antineoplastic agents or radiation therapy. Monitor patients long-term for the development of secondary malignancies. 5.3 Severe Local Tissue Necrosis with Extravasation Extravasation of IDAMYCIN PFS at the site of intravenous administration can cause severe local tissue injury including blistering, ulceration, thrombophlebitis, and necrosis requiring wide excision of the affected area and skin grafting. Monitor patients during the IDAMYCIN PFS infusion for signs and symptoms of extravasation (including erythematous streaking, burning, or stinging sensations, thrombosis) or perivenous infiltration. If extravasation occurs during administration, immediately discontinue the intravenous injection or continuous intravenous infusion of IDAMYCIN PFS and manage per institutional guidelines [see Dosage and Administrations (2.6)]. 5.4 Severe Myelosuppression Severe myelosuppression resulting in severe infection, septic shock, hemorrhage, or death may occur during treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS, and some patients may require blood product transfusions. Obtain complete blood counts prior to each treatment and closely monitor patients during treatment for possible clinical complications due to myelosuppression. Delay next dose of IDAMYCIN PFS if severe myelosuppression has not improved. Consider dose reduction for patients with prolonged myelosuppression [see Dosage and Administrations (2.2) ] . Discontinue IDAMYCIN PFS in patients who develop severe myelosuppression. 5.5 Tumor Lysis Syndrome IDAMYCIN PFS may induce tumor lysis syndrome. Patients at risk of tumor lysis syndrome are those with rapidly growing tumors or high tumor burden prior to treatment. During and after initial treatment, monitor blood chemistries and manage abnormalities promptly. Hydration, urine alkalinization, and prophylaxis with allopurinol to prevent hyperuricemia may minimize potential complications of tumor lysis syndrome. 5.6 Hypersensitivity IDAMYCIN PFS can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Clinical signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity may include, but are not limited to, rash and urticaria [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity during treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS and manage as clinically indicated. 5.7 Use in Patients with Renal Impairment Renal impairment may result in increased risk of toxicity in patients treated with IDAMYCIN PFS [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Assess renal function prior to and during treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS. Reduce the dose of IDAMYCIN PFS in patients on dialysis or those with GFR <30 mL/min [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)]. 5.8 Use in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Hepatic impairment may result in increased risk of toxicity in patients treated with IDAMYCIN PFS [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Obtain liver tests including ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin prior to and during therapy. Reduce the dose of IDAMYCIN PFS in patients with serum bilirubin levels of 2.6 to 5 mg/dL. Avoid use of IDAMYCIN PFS in patients with serum bilirubin greater than 5 mg/dL [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ]. 5.9 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings from animal reproductive studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , IDAMYCIN PFS can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Idarubicin hydrochloride was embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats at doses of 1.2 mg/m 2 /day or 0.1 times the human dose, which was not maternally toxic. Idarubicin hydrochloride was embryotoxic but not teratogenic in rabbits at doses of 2.4 mg/m 2 /day or 0.2 times the human dose, which was maternally toxic. Advise women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IDAMYCIN PFS and for 6.5 months after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception for 3.5 months after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) and Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].

Who should not take Idamycin Pfs

None. None. (4)

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

There is no known antidote to idarubicin hydrochloride. Two cases of fatal overdosage in patients receiving therapy for AML have been reported. The doses were 135 mg/m 2 over 3 days and 45 mg/m 2 of idarubicin hydrochloride and 90 mg/m 2 of daunorubicin over a three-day period. Based on multicompartment and extravascular distribution, tissue binding, and low unbound fraction available in plasma, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis are unlikely to significantly reduce exposure during an overdosage.

U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.

Drug class

How this class works, per Anthracyclines - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

May treat (source: NIH RxClass)

Dosage forms

Solution

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

What does Idamycin Pfs treat?
Idamycin Pfs (Idarubicin Hydrochloride) may be used to treat breast neoplasms, bcr-abl positive chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, precursor cell lymphoblastic leukemia-lymphoma, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
How does Idamycin Pfs work?
Idamycin Pfs is a anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor. These chemotherapy drugs slip between the strands of a cancer cell's DNA and jam an enzyme called topoisomerase II that the cell needs to copy its DNA. This leaves the DNA broken and unrepairable, so the cancer cell stops dividing and dies.
How is Idamycin Pfs rated?
pharmaranks gives Idamycin Pfs a composite score of 3.2 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
Is there a coupon or discount for Idamycin Pfs?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Idamycin Pfs. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Idamycin Pfs?
Idamycin Pfs is marketed by Pfizer. You can see Pfizer's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Idamycin Pfs a brand-name or generic drug?
Idamycin Pfs is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Idarubicin Hydrochloride. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Idarubicin Hydrochloride are available — ask your pharmacist.
Is Idamycin Pfs available over the counter?
No. Idamycin Pfs is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Idamycin Pfs come in?
Idamycin Pfs is currently marketed as solution, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Idamycin Pfs?
Idamycin Pfs is classified as anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitor, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Idamycin Pfs FDA-registered?
Idamycin Pfs is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA050734. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Idamycin Pfs been recalled by the FDA?
Idamycin Pfs has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Idamycin Pfs safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Idamycin Pfs a recall-safety score of 64/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Idamycin Pfs?
Idamycin Pfs's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: • Cardiomyopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Secondary Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Severe Local Tissue Necrosis with Extravasation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Idamycin Pfs head-to-head

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.

idamycin pfs

64/100