GENERIC NAME: IRINOTECAN - INJECTION (eye-ree-no-TEE-kan)

BRAND NAME(S): Camptosar

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea, both early in treatment and 24 hours or more after receiving this drug. The early form of diarrhea may be accompanied by runny nose, increased salivation, tearing eyes, sweating, stomach cramps, or flushing. Using atropine can help with these side effects. The later form of diarrhea (after 24 hours) can persist and may lead to vitamin and mineral imbalances that could be fatal if untreated. Your doctor will give you loperamide for this form of diarrhea. Use the loperamide exactly as directed. You may also be given fluid, vitamin and mineral replacements. Your doctor may temporarily stop irinotecan if severe diarrhea continues. It may be restarted later at a lower dose. Irinotecan can also cause bone marrow suppression, which can decrease your ability to fight infections or cause bleeding problems. Notify your doctor immediately if your develop signs of infection such as persistent sore throat or fever; or unusual fatigue, or easy bruising or bleeding.

USES: This medication is used to treat colon or rectal cancer.

HOW TO USE: This drug is given by vein (IV), generally over a 90 minute period. Dosing is based on your condition and response to therapy. Frequently, drugs to treat nausea are prescribed before and after this drug is given. Follow all doctor and pharmacist instructions carefully.

SIDE EFFECTS: Flushing may occur. If this persists or worsens, notify your doctor. Also see Warning section. Report immediately any diarrhea occurring within the first day of the drug injection. Symptoms are serious and include stomach cramping, sweating and loose stools (with or without blood). Another form of diarrhea can occur later, (more than one day after the dose), can last longer and is very, very serious. Dehydration (too little water in the body) can occur. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urine amount and low blood pressure. This later form of diarrhea is treated immediately with loperamide as directed by your doctor. Have this medication on hand. Seek immediate medical attention if you cannot reach your doctor promptly. Report immediately: redness or swelling at the injection site, black or bloody stools, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, persistent sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, rash. Very unlikely but report immediately: unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual change in the amount of urine, chest pain, pain in the groin or lower legs. Hair loss may occur. Frequently this is temporary. Discuss any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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