Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Caelyx TM

Listen to the Pronunciation:

Active ingredients: doxorubicin hydrochloride (as pegylated liposomal)

What it is used for

INDICATIONS: For the treatment of: (1) Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in women who have failed a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. (2) AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in patients with low CD4 counts (<200 lymphocytes/cubic mm) and extensive mucocutaneous or visceral disease. As first-line systemic chemotherapy, or as second line chemotherapy in AIDS-KS patients with disease that has progressed with, or in patients intolerant to, prior combination systemic chemotherapy comprising at least two of the following agents: a vinca alkaloid, bleomycin and doxorubicin (or other anthracycline). INDICATIONS AS AT 29 February 2008: CAELYX, as monotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. CAELYX is also indicated for the treatment of: Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in women who have failed a first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen. AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in patients with low CD4 counts (<200 lymphocytes/mm3) and extensive mucocutaneous or visceral disease. CAELYX may be used as first-line systemic chemotherapy, or as second line chemotherapy in AIDS-KS patients with disease that has progressed with, or in patients intolerant to, prior combination systemic chemotherapy comprising at least two of the following agents: a vinca alkaloid, bleomycin and doxorubicin (or other anthracycline). Caelyx is also indicated, in combination with bortezomib, for the treatment of progressive multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least one prior therapy and who have already undergone or who are unsuitable for bone marrow transplant.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Intravenous. This medicine or fluids is given through a needle or tube (catheter) inserted into a vein.

  • Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
  • Do not Freeze
  • Refrigerate
  • Shelf lifetime is 20 Months.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

Red translucent suspension

Do I need a prescription?

This medicine is available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4 : Prescription Only Medicine.

Pregnant or planning a pregnancy?

For the active ingredient doxorubicin hydrochloride (as pegylated liposomal)

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.

Consumer Medicines Information (CMI)

For side effects, taking other medicines and more

Print the CMI.

Listen to the CMI.


Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.