irinotecan

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

What is irinotecan?

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

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

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• lung disease;
• an intestinal disorder or obstruction;
• Gilbert's syndrome;
• fructose intolerance (irinotecan contains sorbitol);
• radiation treatment to your abdomen or pelvic area; or
• if you take a diuretic or "water pill."

• If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using irinotecan.

Pregnancy may be less likely to occur while the mother or the father is using this medicine. Both men and women should still use birth control to prevent pregnancy because the medicine can harm an unborn baby.

How is irinotecan given?

Your doctor may recommend a DNA test before your first dose. Some people are genetically more likely to have certain side effects from irinotecan.

Irinotecan is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle.

Your doctor may recommend keeping anti-diarrhea medicine on hand at all times (such as loperamide or Imodium). Take this 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.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using irinotecan?

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

What are the possible side effects of irinotecan?

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;
• black or bloody stools;
• nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking enough fluids;
• sores or white patches in or around your mouth;
• new or worsening cough or shortness of breath;
• dehydration symptoms --feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
• low blood cell counts --fever, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or
• symptoms of sepsis --confusion, fever or chills, severe drowsiness, fast heartbeats, rapid breathing, feeling very ill.

Severe diarrhea may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• fever, pain, mouth sores, or other signs of infection;
• low blood cell counts, abnormal liver function tests;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• loss of appetite, weight loss;
• weakness; or
• 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?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect irinotecan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about irinotecan.