Irinotecan (Injection)

Irinotecan (eye-ri-noe-TEE-kan)

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum.

Brand Name(s):

Camptosar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to irinotecan or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• Irinotecan is given slowly, so the IV will need to be left in place for about 90 minutes. You may also be given other cancer medicines and medicines to help prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Tell your caregiver right away if any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• You may need to continue receiving treatments as long as your body responds to the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially laxatives or diuretics ("water pills"). Tell your doctor if you have been treated with radiation or other cancer medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes or liver disease.
• This medicine often causes diarrhea. Early diarrhea happens while you are getting a dose of medicine or shortly after the dose. You may also feel warm or have a runny nose, watery eyes, or stomach cramps. Tell your caregiver if this happens.
• You may have late diarrhea more than 24 hours after you get a dose of this medicine. Call your doctor if this happens, especially if you have more than 7 bowel movements in one day. Ask your doctor about using any medicine to treat the diarrhea.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain or coughing up blood, pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness, extreme thirst, or dry, hot skin
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the needle is placed
• Severe diarrhea (may be bloody or black), stomach pain, cramping, nausea, or vomiting
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Sores or white patches in your mouth or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.