Irinotecan Hydrochloride, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: irinotecan hydrochloride, injection; Camptosar

What is this medicine used for?

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.

How do I use it?

These infusions are usually given once a week for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks without treatment. This 6-week course of treatment is repeated for as long as necessary to control the cancer. Be sure to keep all appointments for these infusions and for blood tests to find out how this medicine affects you. Your health care provider may also prescribe other medicines to reduce nausea and diarrhea, which are common side effects of this medicine. Follow your health care provider's directions exactly.

What should I watch out for?

Diarrhea can happen early in the treatment (within 24 hours of the infusion). This type of diarrhea may be severe but may not last long. Diarrhea that starts later (over 24 hours after the infusion) may be severe and last longer. It can lead to dehydration and other conditions that are life-threatening. Contact your health care provider right away if you develop diarrhea that is severe and does not stop.

If you develop a fever (over 100°F), contact your health care provider right away. The fever may be caused by a low white blood cell count, which would increase your risk of getting severe infections.

Nausea is also common. Take any medicines prescribed for nausea exactly as directed by your health care provider.

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is usually not given during pregnancy because it can harm the baby. Do not become pregnant during treatment. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

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 health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to contact your health care 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 health care provider right away): Severe and prolonged diarrhea, high fever, severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sores in your mouth or on your lips, bruising, unusual bleeding.

Other: Constipation, abdominal pain, mouth sores, headache, back pain, chills, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dizziness, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

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 health care provider if you are taking:

• any other anticancer medicine
• dexamethasone (Decadron)
• diuretics (water pills)
• laxatives
• prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care 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 health care 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.