Which chemotherapy agent causes urine to turn red/orange?

Which chemotherapy agent causes urine to turn red/orange?

• A. Doxorubicin
• B. Carmustine
• C. Irinotecan
• D. Paclitaxel

Answer: (A)

Doxorubicin is known to cause urine to turn red or orange due to its chemical composition and how it is metabolized in the body. This anthracycline antibiotic is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer and leukemia. When doxorubicin is excreted in urine, the metabolites can impart a reddish color, which is a benign and expected effect of the drug. This change in urine color can be an important consideration for both patients and healthcare providers, as it can help differentiate between expected side effects of the medication and potential complications, such as hematuria (blood in the urine). The other agents mentioned do not typically produce such noticeable changes in urine color. Carmustine and irinotecan, for instance, are not associated with any significant pigmentation of the urine. Similarly, paclitaxel does not cause urine color changes that are prominent. Therefore, understanding the specific effects of doxorubicin can help in monitoring patients during treatment and in managing their expectations about side effects.

Doxorubicin is known to cause urine to turn red or orange due to its chemical composition and how it is metabolized in the body. This anthracycline antibiotic is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer and leukemia. When doxorubicin is excreted in urine, the metabolites can impart a reddish color, which is a benign and expected effect of the drug. This change in urine color can be an important consideration for both patients and healthcare providers, as it can help differentiate between expected side effects of the medication and potential complications, such as hematuria (blood in the urine).

The other agents mentioned do not typically produce such noticeable changes in urine color. Carmustine and irinotecan, for instance, are not associated with any significant pigmentation of the urine. Similarly, paclitaxel does not cause urine color changes that are prominent. Therefore, understanding the specific effects of doxorubicin can help in monitoring patients during treatment and in managing their expectations about side effects.