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compositionComposition:DAUNORUBICIN-20MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
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Daunocin 20mg Injection is an antineoplastic medicine used in the treatment of cancer. It contains Daunorubicin, which belongs to the class of anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors. It inhibits the topoisomerase II enzyme by intercalating the DNA base pairs. This causes double helix DNA to be uncoiled, thereby destroying DNA and RNA synthesis. Thus, Daunocin 20mg Injection stops the multiplication of abnormal cells, leads to the growth of cells in an unbalanced way, and causes cancer cell death.

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Written By Dr. Lakshmithulasi Yarragunta , PharmD (PB)
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

DAUNORUBICIN-20MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Vhb Life Sciences Inc

Consume Type :

Parenteral

Expires on or after :

Dec-28

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Daunocin 20mg Injection

Daunocin 20mg Injection is a specialised chemotherapy medicine used to treat specific blood cancers, such as acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphocytic leukaemia. It works by interfering with the genetic material of cancer cells, preventing them from multiplying and spreading throughout the body. This helps control the disease and allows your bone marrow to produce healthy blood cells once again.

Because this medicine is given as an injection into a vein, it is given in scheduled treatment cycles by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic. Consistent attendance at all your scheduled clinical appointments is critical to ensure the treatment works effectively.

An echocardiogram test checks your heart function, including how effectively your heart pumps blood. A baseline test before starting treatment helps your doctor identify any existing heart problems and monitor changes during therapy. Since it is injected, food intake does not alter how the drug is absorbed, but eating regular, nutritious meals can help support your body through the treatment cycles.

During your treatment, you may experience common side effects like nausea, vomiting, temporary hair loss, or red-colored urine. However, you must seek immediate medical attention if you notice serious signs like a fever, severe chills, unusual bruising, or sudden swelling in your legs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any persistent discomfort.

Before you begin therapy, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, liver damage, kidney issues, or low blood cell counts. Do not take this if you have severe bone marrow suppression, have recently suffered a severe heart attack, or have significant pre-existing heart failure.

This medicine can interact with other drugs that impact your immune system or heart health, and you should avoid alcohol and smoking to prevent extra stress on your liver and lungs. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly patient, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the specific risks and benefits for your situation.

Uses of Daunocin 20mg Injection

Your doctor may recommend this medicine to help manage the following conditions:

  • Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): It helps by stopping the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells in your bone marrow, allowing healthy blood cells to develop.
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia (ALL): It targets and destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow, helping to bring the disease into remission.

Key Benefits

When taken consistently as directed, this medicine may provide the following physiological benefits:

  • Targets cancer cells: This medicine works by targeting and destroying rapidly growing leukaemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. By reducing these abnormal cells, it helps the body restore the production of healthy blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Supports recovery: By helping control leukaemia and improve blood cell counts, this medicine may reduce symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bone pain, helping patients regain strength and return to daily activities.
Side effects of Daunocin 20mg Injection
Overcome Medication-Induced Nausea: A 9-Step Plan
  • Inform your doctor about the nausea and discuss possible alternatives to the medication or adjustments to the dosage.
  • Divide your daily food intake into smaller, more frequent meals to reduce nausea.
  • Opt for bland, easily digestible foods like crackers, toast, plain rice, bananas, and applesauce.
  • Avoid certain foods that can trigger nausea, such as fatty, greasy, spicy, and smelly foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water or sports drinks.
  • Use ginger (tea, ale, or candies) to help relieve nausea.
  • Get adequate rest and also avoid strenuous activities that can worsen nausea.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication if your nausea is severe.
  • Record when your nausea occurs, what triggers it, and what provides relief to help you identify patterns and manage your symptoms more effectively.
To prevent, manage, and treat Constipation caused by medication usage, follow these steps:
  • Preventing Vomiting (Before it Happens)
  • Take medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This can help minimize side effects, including vomiting.
  • Having a small meal before taking your medication can help reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Talk to your doctor about taking anti-nausea medication along with your prescribed medication.
  • Managing Vomiting (If it Happens)
  • Try taking ginger in the form of tea, ale, or candy to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.
  • What to Do if Vomiting Persists
  • Consult your doctor if vomiting continues or worsens, consult the doctor for guidance on adjusting your medication or additional treatment.
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol.
  • Avoid vaping and tobacco smoke.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Talk to your doctor about antiarrhythmic drugs or other medications to treat your condition.
  • Eat protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes.
  • Include foods with minerals and vitamins essential for hair health.
  • Join a support group to connect with others experiencing hair loss.
  • Openly discuss your feelings about hair loss.
  • Consider covering up with wigs, hats, or scarves.
  • Be patient and avoid seeking miracle cures.
Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:
  • Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
  • Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
  • Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
  • Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.

Directions for Use

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
  • Daunocin 20mg Injection will be administered by a trained healthcare professional.
  • Do not self-administer.

How Daunocin 20mg Injection Works

Daunocin 20mg Injection belongs to a group of cancer medicines called anthracyclines. It works by entering rapidly dividing cancer cells and blocking their ability to copy and repair their DNA. Because cancer cells rely heavily on copying their genetic material to grow and divide, this blockage stops them from multiplying and leads to cell death. In addition to blocking DNA replication, the medicine interacts with oxygen inside the cancer cells to produce unstable molecules that damage the cell's internal structures. This double-action mechanism makes the medicine highly effective at clearing leukaemia cells from your bloodstream and bone marrow, paving the way for healthy tissue recovery.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

Avoid consumption of alcohol with Daunocin 20mg Injection as it may increase the risk of liver damage.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

It is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Daunocin 20mg Injection.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Daunocin 20mg Injection. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.

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Driving

Unsafe

Daunocin 20mg Injection causes dizziness and may alter the ability to drive or operate machines. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after receiving Daunocin 20mg Injection.

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Liver

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Daunocin 20mg Injection. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Daunocin 20mg Injection. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Children

Safe if prescribed

Daunocin 20mg Injection can be recommended for acute lymphocytic leukemia in children. Please consult your doctor. Your child's doctor may prescribe a suitable dose based on the condition and age of your child. If this medicine is given, the child should be observed carefully for any unwanted effects.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing heart disease before using Daunocin 20mg Injection.

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Geriatrics

Caution

Daunocin 20mg Injection can be used in the elderly when prescribed by a doctor. If you have any concerns about using Daunocin 20mg Injection, please consult a doctor.

What if I have taken an overdose of Daunocin 20mg Injection

Because your medical team prepares and injects this medication under strict clinical supervision, an overdose is extremely rare. However, if you suspect any errors or experience sudden, severe chest pain, extreme shortness of breath, or confusion during or after your infusion, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Follow a low-infection diet: Since your white blood cell count will be lower during treatment, eat only well-cooked meats, wash all fresh produce thoroughly, and avoid dairy products that have not been heat-treated to remove harmful bacteria, such as raw milk or certain artisan cheeses, to protect yourself from infections.
  • Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids to help your kidneys efficiently process and flush out the waste products from destroyed cancer cells.
  • Eat small, frequent meals: If you experience nausea or mouth sores, eating small portions of soft, bland foods can help maintain your strength without irritating your stomach or mouth.
  • Avoid crowds and sick contacts: Stay away from public crowds and individuals with colds, flu, or other infections, and practice frequent handwashing.
  • Fertility: Daunocin 20mg Injection may affect fertility in some patients. If you are concerned about future fertility, discuss available fertility preservation options with your oncologist before starting treatment.
health query

Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Daunocin 20mg Injection to start to work: The exact onset time of Daunocin 20mg Injection has not been clinically established. The time for which the effects of Daunocin 20mg Injection last: The duration of Daunocin 20mg Injection’s effect is clinically not established.

What if you forget to take Daunocin 20mg Injection

Since this medicine is injected by a healthcare professional in a clinic, it is highly unlikely that you will miss a dose. However, if you miss a scheduled clinic appointment for your injection, contact your doctor or healthcare team immediately to reschedule.

Storage

•It must be kept at a controlled refrigerator temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), protected from direct light, and never frozen.

Drug Warnings

  • Alert your nurse immediately to injection pain: If you feel any burning, stinging, coldness, or pain around your vein during your infusion, tell your healthcare provider right away, as the injection must be stopped immediately to avoid skin damage.
  • Heart monitoring: Daunocin 20mg Injection can affect the heart, especially with higher total lifetime doses. Your doctor will track your cumulative dose (total amount received over time) and may perform heart tests such as an echocardiogram before and during treatment to check how well your heart is pumping.
  • Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines (like the shingles or yellow fever vaccines) while using this medicine, as your weakened immune system cannot safely process them.
  • Check your temperature daily: Call your doctor immediately if your temperature rises above 100.4°F (38°C), as a fever can be a medical emergency when your white blood cell count is low.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • Other chemotherapy medications: May increase the risk of heart damage or severely lower your blood cell counts.
  • Live vaccines: Can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections when given while your immune system is weakened by medicine.
  • Medicines that affect the heart: Taking other medications that put stress on your heart muscle can increase your risk of heart damage.
DaunorubicinZiprasidone
Critical
DaunorubicinTofacitinib
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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DaunorubicinZiprasidone
Critical
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Ziprasidone can increase the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Ziprasidone is not recommended, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult your doctor if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
DaunorubicinTofacitinib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
When Tofacitinib is taken with Daunocin 20mg Injection, it may increase the risk of infection.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Tofacitinib and Daunocin 20mg Injection, you can take these medicines together if prescribed by your doctor. However, consult the doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in phlegm, weight loss, red or inflamed skin, body sores, and pain or burning during urination. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting your doctor.
DaunorubicinAmisulpride
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Using Amisulpride together with Daunocin 20mg Injection can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Amisulpride together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms - like a fast or irregular heartbeat, a heart problem, or feeling dizzy or faint - it's important to let the doctor know. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
DaunorubicinChloroquine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Using chloroquine together with danorubicin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm

How to manage the interaction:
Taking chloroquine and Daunocin 20mg Injection together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult your doctor if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
DaunorubicinClozapine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
When Clozapine is taken with Daunocin 20mg Injection, may increase the risk of infection and irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
There may be a possibility of interaction between Daunocin 20mg Injection and Clozapine, but it can be taken if prescribed by a doctor. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your doctor right away. These symptoms include problems with your immune system, heart rhythm, or signs of infection like fever, chills, or a sore throat. Other symptoms to watch out for are muscle aches, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, pain, sudden dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fainting, or heart palpitations. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
DaunorubicinBaricitinib
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Using baricitinib together with Daunocin 20mg Injection may increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction, baricitinib can be taken with Daunocin 20mg Injection if prescribed by the doctor. However, if you experience fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, shortness of breath, blood in your coughing fluid, weight loss, red or irritated skin, body sores, and discomfort or burning when you urinate, consult a doctor. Do not discontinue any medication without consulting a doctor.
DaunorubicinCladribine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
The combined use of cladribine with Daunocin 20mg Injection can increase the risk of serious infections.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Cladribine together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to contact a doctor right away. These symptoms include complications, infection, fever, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and pain or burning when you pee. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
DaunorubicinHydroxychloroquine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
The combined use of Daunocin 20mg Injection and Hydroxychloroquine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Daunocin 20mg Injection and Hydroxychloroquine can lead to an interaction, it can be taken if advised by your doctor. However, if you experience any symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, consult the doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
DaunorubicinMoxifloxacin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Using Moxifloxacin together with Daunocin 20mg Injection can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Moxifloxacin with Daunocin 20mg Injection together can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations, contact a doctor right away. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.
DaunorubicinGatifloxacin
Severe
How does the drug interact with Daunocin 20mg Injection:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Gatifloxacin can increase the risk or severity of irregular heart rhythms. The risk increases in patients with a history of heart illness or electrolyte imbalance.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Daunocin 20mg Injection with Gatifloxacin together can result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, rapid heartbeat, or memory loss, contact a doctor immediately. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
  • No clinically significant food interactions are known with Daunocin 20mg Injection when used as directed.
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTINEOPLASTIC]

FAQs

Daunocin 20mg Injection is used to treat lymphocytic leukemia, and Acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
Daunocin 20mg Injection contains Daunorubicin, which belongs to the class of anthracycline topoisomerase inhibitors. It inhibits the topoisomerase II enzyme by intercalating the DNA base pairs. This causes double helix DNA to be uncoiled, thereby destroying the DNA and RNA synthesis.
Daunocin 20mg Injection may cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Therefore, please consult a doctor before taking Daunocin 20mg Injection if you are planning to become a parent.
If you are about to receive any vaccinations, especially live vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella and polio vaccines, it is advised to inform your doctor that you are on treatment with Daunocin 20mg Injection as it may cause infections.
Yes, Daunocin 20mg Injection is a vesicant (irritant) which means, it can cause severe tissue damage if it leaks into the surrounding tissues during injection (extravasation).
Daunocin 20mg Injection should be administered by the doctor or nurse through an intravenous route (into a vein). Do not self-administer.
The frequency and duration of treatment may vary depending on your medical condition being treated. Always follow the doctor's instructions regarding the dosing schedule to get full benefits.
The side effects of Daunocin 20mg Injection include mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, weakness, fever, chills, and pain at the site of injection. Consult the doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Medicine is given as a slow injection or infusion directly into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your treatment schedule.
The red colour is harmless and occurs because the medicine naturally passes through your kidneys and out of your body. This usually lasts for a day or two after your injection. Talk to your doctor if the redness persists or if you experience pain.
No, you should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment because this medicine can cause severe harm to an unborn baby. Both men and women should use effective, highly reliable birth control during therapy. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.
Yes, temporary hair loss is a common side effect of this medicine. Your hair will typically begin to grow back once your complete treatment cycle is finished. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need advice on hair care during treatment.
This medicine can sometimes stress or weaken the heart muscle, especially after receiving higher doses over time. Your doctor will monitor your heart function closely with tests before and during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you notice any shortness of breath or swelling in your feet.
Tell your nurse or doctor immediately if you feel any burning, stinging, or pain around your vein during the infusion. This can mean the medicine is leaking into the skin, which requires immediate medical attention. Talk to your doctor.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol during your treatment, as alcohol can place extra strain on your liver and worsen dehydration, nausea, or mouth sores. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Reference

  1. DrugBank Online. Db00694 Clinical & Chemical Summary. Edmonton, AB: DrugBank; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  2. Drugs.com Clinical Review Team. Daunorubicin Clinical Drug Monograph. Auckland, NZ: Drugs.com; 2026. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  3. MedlinePlus. A682289 Patient Information Monograph. Bethesda, MD: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM); 2025. [Accessed on 02 Jun. 2026]Check here
  4. Daunorubicin hydrochloride. 1994. [Accessed on 24 Jun. 2019]Check here
  5. Tabinda Saleem, Anup Kasi. Daunorubicin. National library of medicine. Revised on August 28, 2023. [Accessed on August 23rd, 2024]Check here
  6. Zentiva. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 17, 2020] [Accessed on August 23rd, 2024]Check here
  7. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed on 27 Mar. 2019]Check here

Country of origin

India
Other Info - DA39999
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