Generic Name: irinotecan

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An antineoplastic - treats Colorectal Cancer

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irinotecan

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(eye ri noe TEE kan)

Most Important What is...? Before Taking How to Take Missed Dose Avoid Taking Side Effects Interactions Overdose More Info Look Like

What is the most important information I should know about irinotecan?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. Diarrhea can occur soon after your injection or more than 24 hours later.

Your doctor may recommend you have an anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) available at all times while you are receiving irinotecan. The anti-diarrhea medication is usually taken at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements.

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 24 hours of taking anti-diarrhea medicine.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with irinotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

What is irinotecan?

Irinotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Irinotecan is used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy.

Irinotecan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving irinotecan?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to irinotecan.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
an intestinal disorder or obstruction;
Gilbert's syndrome;
diabetes;
fructose intolerance (irinotecan contains sorbitol); or
if you are receiving radiation treatment to your abdomen or pelvic area.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive irinotecan, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive irinotecan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether irinotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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FDA Alerts

Experience of Supervising Clinician

Administer only under the supervision of qualified clinicians experienced in the use of cytotoxic therapy. Adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities should be readily available to manage complications.

GI Toxicity

Early and late forms of diarrhea may occur; both may be severe. (See Diarrhea under Cautions.)
Early diarrhea (onset within 24 hours of administration) is cholinergic in nature (possibly preceded by diaphoresis, flushing, rhinitis, increased salivation, miosis, lacrimation, and abdominal cramping) and may be prevented or ameliorated by administration of atropine.
Late diarrhea (occurring >24 hours after administration) may be prolonged, life-threatening, and lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or sepsis. Treat late diarrhea promptly with intensive oral loperamide therapy.
Carefully monitor patients with diarrhea; administer fluid and electrolyte replacement for dehydration and anti-infective therapy for ileus, fever, or severe neutropenia. Interrupt therapy and reduce subsequent doses if severe diarrhea occurs. (See Dosage Modification for Toxicity sections under Dosage and Administration.)

Myelosuppression

Severe myelosuppression may occur. (See Hematologic Effects under Cautions.)

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