How is irinotecan given?
Irinotecan is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive
this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV
infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete. The irinotecan injection is usually followed
by infusions with other cancer medications. These combination chemotherapy treatments are
usually given at weekly intervals for several weeks.
Before starting your irinotecan injection, you may be given medications to help prevent
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. You may also need to use some of these
medications for at least a day after your irinotecan injection.
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.
Do not take loperamide for longer than 2 full days without your doctor's advice.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss
any scheduled visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment to receive your irinotecan injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this
medicine.
Symptoms of an irinotecan overdose may include fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms,
and severe diarrhea.
What should I avoid while using irinotecan?
Do not use a
laxative or
stool softener during treatment with irinotecan. These
products can worsen diarrhea that may be caused by irinotecan.
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.
Avoid getting this medicine on your skin. If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with
soap and warm water.
Irinotecan can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
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