Irinotecan injection
What does irinotecan injection do?
IRINOTECAN (Camptosar(R)) is a chemotherapy agent used to treat colon and rectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and many other types of cancer. Irinotecan interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes these cells to die. Irinotecan may be used alone or with other chemotherapy agents. Generic irinotecan injections are not available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive irinotecan?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• an active infection
• bleeding problems or other blood disorders
• dehydration
• dental disease
• diabetes or glucose (sugar) intolerance
• diarrhea
• liver disease, including jaundice
• recent radiation therapy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Irinotecan is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. If you notice pain, swelling, burning or any other unusual feelings around the site of your injection, tell your health care professional immediately.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What other medicines can interact with irinotecan?
• other chemotherapy agents may increase the side effects due to irinotecan
• carbamazepine
• fosphenytoin
• laxatives
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• primidone
• vaccines
Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
• aspirin
• acetaminophen
• ibuprofen
• naproxen
• ketoprofen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving irinotecan?
The side effects you may experience with irinotecan therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• low blood counts - irinotecan may decrease the number of white blood cells and red blood cells. You may be at increased risk for infections. Less commonly, irinotecan may decrease the number of platelets, which may cause bleeding.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, sore throat
• signs of decreased platelets - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing
• flushing
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site
• runny nose
• sweating
• stomach pain and/or cramping
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• drowsiness
• gas
• headache
• hair loss
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• skin flushing
• skin rash, itching
• weight loss
