IRITERO

Side effects of Iritero (Irinotecan)

This medicine may cause some serious and unwanted side effects. It requires immediate medical attention otherwise it can also lead to higher risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your medical advisor before starting the treatment. 

Common side effects 

• Diarrhea 

• Weight loss 

• Loss of appetite 

• Nausea  

• Abdominal pain 

• Dehydration 

• Low white blood cell count 

• Fatigue 

• Vomiting 

• Weakness 

• Anemia 

• Fever 

• Anxiety 

• Blurred vision 

• Dizziness 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Headache 

• Low blood pressure 

• Lightheadedness 

• Swelling 

• Coughing up blood 

• Difficulty with swallowing 

• Bleeding 

• Mucosal inflammation 

• Sore throat 

• Hair loss 

• Runny nose

• Skin rash 

• Infections 

• Pale skin 

• Rapid weight gain 

• Trouble in sleeping 

• Shortness of breath 

Note- Inform your doctor if you notice any side effects. 

Dosage

Take this injection as prescribed by your doctor. Do not self administer. The injection is given as an infusion into your vein by a doctor or nurse. 

Missed dose 

•  It is advisable not to miss a dose. If you miss an appointment for a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Overdose 

• In case of an overdose, your doctor will provide emergency medical treatment.

Usage of Iritero (Irinotecan)

This injection is prescribed for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the multiplication of cancerous cells. Iritero injection treats or lowers the risk of developing cancerous cells in the body. This medicine is also given in combination with other medicines to treat cancer. Irinotecan belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications. The use of this injection is not recommended in pregnant women and children. The recommended dose of this medicine is decided by your doctor according to your medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Warnings

Before starting treatment with Iritero, please inform your doctor about your previous medical history. If you experience any symptoms while receiving this medication, do not ignore those symptoms because it may lead to higher risk. 

•  Contraception 

  • Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. 

• Children and adolescents 

  • This medicine is not advisable for use in children and adolescents. 

Warnings for female 

• Pregnancy 

  • Iritero shouldn’t be used by pregnant women. Irinotecan may cause harm to the baby. It is recommended that this medicine should be avoided during pregnancy. 

• Breastfeeding 

  • This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary. Please consult your medical advisor before starting treatment with this medication.

 General warning and precautions 

• This medicine may increase the risk of diarrhea. 

• This medication should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of hematologic abnormalities such as anemia and low blood cell counts. 

• This medicine may cause dizziness. 

• This medicine may cause some severe allergic reactions. 

• Avoid driving after receiving this medicine. 

• Avoid receiving any other medicine. 

Cautions 

• Not safe for pregnant women. 

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. 

• May harm the liver. 

• Do not self administer this medicine.

• Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication.

Q1. What is Iritero (Irinotecan)? 

Ans. Iritero injection is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is an anti-cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancerous cells in the body. 

Q2. How Iritero injection works? 

Ans. This medication works by suppressing the activity of topoisomerase I involved in DNA multiplication of cancer cells. 

Q3. What are the side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are:- diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dehydration, weakness, blurred vision, sore throat, fever, nausea, and vomiting.  

Q4. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. It is available in the strength of 100mg/50ml. 

Q5. What should I avoid while receiving this medicine? 

Ans. Avoid being near sick people or people who have infections.  

Q6. How is Iritero given? 

Ans. This injection is given as an infusion into a vein by a doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer. 

Q7.Does this affect kidney function?

Ans. Please discuss your medical condition with your doctor before consuming this drug.

 Q8. What happens if I miss a dose? 

Ans. If you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Q9. Does this affect liver function? 

Ans. Use of Iritero injection is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. 

Q10. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans. It is not known whether it is safe or not. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Q11. Can I drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. This medicine may decrease your ability to drive or affect your vision. Do not drive if any symptoms occur. 

Q12. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy? 

Ans. This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women. 

Q13. Can I take this medicine during breastfeeding? 

Ans.  This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary.

Q14. What are the storage conditions? 

Ans. Store this medicine at room temperature. Do not freeze or shake this medicine.

Interactions

Interactions may change how your medication works and increase the risk for side effects. Don’t forget to disclose your previous medical history with your doctor. 

Medicine interaction 

• Ketoconazole 

• Decadron 

• Topotecan 

• Clozapine 

• Ritonavir 

Disease interaction 

• Liver impairment 

• Interstitial lung disease 

• Renal impairment 

• Myelosuppression

Alcohol interaction  

• Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Contraindications

• This medicine is not in use with patients who are suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease. 

• Iritero injection is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Irinotecan.  

• This medicine is not in use with patients who are suffering from a bowel obstruction. 

• This medicine is contracted in patients known to be hypersensitive.