RINOWEL

Side effects of Irinotecan 

This medicine may cause some major and minor side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor before starting the treatment. 

Common side effects 

• Dizziness 

• Diarrhea 

• Fever 

• Cough 

• Loss of appetite 

• Indigestion 

• Fainting 

• Sore throat 

• Lightheadedness 

• Bleeding 

• Nausea 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Shortness of breath 

• Back pain 

• Pale skin 

• Rash 

• Low blood counts 

• Weight loss 

• Low calcium 

• Vomiting 

• Weakness 

• Difficulty in urination 

• Anemia 

• Hair loss 

• Mouth ulcers 

• Abdominal pain 

• Blurred vision 

• Unusual bruising 

• Muscle cramps 

• Allergic reaction 

• Loss of strength 

• Bloody stools 

• Dehydration 

• Swelling around the eyes 

• Runny or stuffy nose 

Note - Immediate medical attention is required if any side effects occur.

Dosage

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

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, the doctor will provide emergency medical treatment. 

Usage of Irinotecan 

This medicine is also used to treat cancer of the pancreas. It kills the cancer cells by interfering with the DNA, which stops the multiplication of cancerous cells. It can lower blood cells that help your body to fight infections. This medicine must be given slowly as an infusion into the vein. It is important to take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your medical advisor. Do not skip or miss the dosing schedule. It is advisable not to change or stop the dose without taking suggestions from your doctor. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. 

Warnings 

Before starting treatment with Irinotecan, please inform the 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 

  •  Do not use Irinotecan if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Avoid this medication at the time of pregnancy. 

• Breastfeeding 

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

Precautions

• Avoid contact with people who have infections. 

• Close monitoring of blood cell count is necessary with this medication. 

• This medication increases the risk of severe diarrhea in some patients. 

• Patients with a history of lung disease need close monitoring while receiving this medication. 

• This medicine may increase the chance of blood clots. 

• Do not receive any vaccines while having treatment with this medicine.

• This medication can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. 

Cautions

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. 

• Not safe for pregnant women. 

• Do not self administer this medicine.

• Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication. 

Q1. What is Irinotecan? 

Ans. This medicine is used to treat colon or rectal cancer. It belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastic.  It kills the cancer cells by interfering with the DNA, which stops the multiplication of cancerous cells. 

Q2. How does Irinotecan work? 

Ans.  This medication works by suppressing the activity of topoisomerase I  involved in DNA. This helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Q3. How is Irinotecan given? 

Ans. This medicine is given as an infusion into your vein. Do not self administer this medicine. 

Q4. What are the side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are:- diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting, fainting, bleeding, etc.

Q5. What should I avoid while receiving this medicine? 

Ans. Avoid contact with people who have infections. 

Q6. What happens if I miss a dose? 

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

Q7. What are the self-care tips? 

Ans. Keep yourself hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Q8. Can I drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. This medicine may affect your vision. Do not drive if any symptoms occur. 

Q9. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy?

Ans. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. 

Q10. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. It is available in the strength of 

Q11. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol.  

Q12. Can I take this medicine during breastfeeding?

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

Q13. Does this affect liver function? 

Ans.  Please consult your doctor before consuming this drug. 

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 the doctor. 

Medicines Interaction

• Atazanavir 

• Cladribine 

• Ketoconazole 

• Nefazodone 

• Phenytoin 

• Ritonavir 

• Clarithromycin 

Diseases interaction 

• Liver impairment 

• Diarrhea 

• Interstitial Lung disease 

• Renal impairment 

• Neutropenia 

Alcohol interaction 

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

Contraindications 

• The injection is not recommended in patients with known allergy to Irinotecan.  

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