Irinotecan Hydrochloride, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)

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.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• diabetes
• liver problems
• radiation in the pelvis or stomach

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.

How do I use it?

These infusions are usually given by your healthcare provider 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.

What should I watch out for?

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.

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 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; loss of appetite; decreased urination; unusual bruising or bleeding; black or tarry stools; coughing up blood; pain in your calf; fainting.

Other: Constipation, stomach pain, headache, back pain, weakness, white patches or sores in your mouth or on your lips, 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 healthcare provider if you are taking:

• any other anticancer medicine
• dexamethasone
• diuretics (water pills)
• laxatives
• prochlorperazine (Compazine)
• St. John's wort

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.

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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.

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