Serious allergic reaction to administration of epirubicin.

A 47-year old woman was admitted for adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy consisting of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. During the second course of chemotherapy an allergic reaction occurred after administration of epirubicin. Treatment with clemastine 2 mg iv caused a quick recovery and after 24 hours there was only a slight redness of the face. A discussion follows on allergic reactions to antracyclines and the literature is updated.