irinotecan liposomal

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

What is irinotecan liposomal?

Irinotecan liposomal is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Irinotecan liposomal is used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Irinotecan liposomal is usually given in combination with other cancer medicines.

Irinotecan liposomal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

• a bowel obstruction.

To make sure irinotecan liposomal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
• diabetes; or
• an intestinal disorder.

A man using irinotecan liposomal should use a condom during treatment, and for at least 4 months after treatment ends.

How is irinotecan liposomal given?

Irinotecan liposomal is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. This medicine is usually given once every 2 weeks.

The IV infusion can take at least 90 minutes to complete. Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle.

You may be given medicine to prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.

Your doctor may recommend you keep anti-diarrhea medicine (such as loperamide or Imodium) on hand at all times. Take the anti-diarrhea medicine at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements. Do not take loperamide for longer than 2 full days without your doctor's advice.

Irinotecan liposomal can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using irinotecan liposomal.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while receiving irinotecan liposomal?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

What are the possible side effects of irinotecan liposomal?

• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;
• shallow breathing, rapid heart rate;
• swollen gums, painful mouth sores;
• skin sores, pale skin, easy bruising;
• unusual bleeding; or
• confusion, severe dizziness or fainting.

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking enough fluids;
• sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath; or
• dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, mouth sores, or other signs of infection;
• diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• feeling weak or tired; or
• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect irinotecan liposomal?

Before you are treated with irinotecan liposomal, tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines you have recently used.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• gemfibrozil;
• nefazodone;
• St. John's wort;
• an antibiotic --clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin;
• antifungal medicine --itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole;
• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS --atazanavir, boceprevir, cobicistat (Stribild, Tybost), delavirdine, efavirenz, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, nevirapine, ritonavir, saquinavir, telaprevir;
• seizure medicine --carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone; or
• tuberculosis medicine --rifabutin, rifapentine, rifampin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with irinotecan liposomal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about irinotecan liposomal.