Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: irinotecan hydrochloride, injection; Camptosar
This medicine is given by infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) along with other medicines to treat cancer of the colon or rectum in people whose cancer has come back or progressed under other treatment. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your health care provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. It should only be given in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely.
These infusions are given by your healthcare provider, usually for several weeks. The treatment may be repeated for as long as necessary. Be sure to keep all appointments for these infusions and for blood tests to find out how this medicine affects you. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other medicines to reduce nausea and diarrhea, which are common side effects of this medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
Diarrhea within 24 hours of the infusion may be severe but may not last long. Diarrhea that starts more than 24 hours after the infusion may be severe and last longer. It can lead to dehydration and other conditions that are life-threatening. Talk to your healthcare provider about medicine to treat the late diarrhea. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop diarrhea that is severe and does not stop.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. If you develop a fever (over 100°F), contact your healthcare provider right away. The fever may be caused by a low white blood cell count, which would increase your risk of getting severe infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you have pain at the injection site during the infusion, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
This medicine may make you dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to contact your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, mouth, or throat; trouble breathing).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe and prolonged diarrhea; high fever; severe nausea or vomiting; decreased urination; unusual bruising or bleeding; black or tarry stools; coughing up blood; pain in your calf; slowed heart rate; fainting.
Other: Constipation, sweating, flushing, stomach pain, headache, back pain, weakness, white patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips, loss of appetite, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dizziness, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
