Camptosar Inj
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Camptosar Injection
CAMPTOSAR
(irinotecan) Injection
WARNING
DIARRHEA AND MYELOSUPPRESSION
Early and late forms of diarrhea can occur. Early diarrhea may be accompanied by cholinergic symptoms which may be prevented or ameliorated by atropine. Late diarrhea can be life threatening and should be treated promptly with loperamide. Monitor patients with diarrhea and give fluid and electrolytes as needed. Institute antibiotic therapy if patients develop ileus, fever, or severe neutropenia. Interrupt CAMPTOSAR and reduce subsequent doses if severe diarrhea occurs.
Severe myelosuppression may occur.
DRUG DESCRIPTION
CAMPTOSAR (irinotecan hydrochloride) Injection is an antineoplastic agent of the topoisomerase I inhibitor class.
CAMPTOSAR is supplied as a sterile, pale yellow, clear, aqueous solution. Each milliliter of solution contains 20 mg of irinotecan hydrochloride (on the basis of the trihydrate salt), 45 mg of sorbitol, NF, and 0.9 mg of lactic acid, USP. The pH of the solution has been adjusted to 3.5 (range, 3.0 to 3.8) with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid. CAMPTOSAR is intended for dilution with 5% Dextrose Injection, USP (D5W), or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, prior to intravenous infusion. The preferred diluent is 5% Dextrose Injection, USP.
Irinotecan hydrochloride is a semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin, an alkaloid extract from plants such as Camptotheca acuminata or is chemically synthesized.
The chemical name is (S)-4,11-diethyl-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo1Hpyrano[3',4':6,7]-indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl-[1,4'bipiperidine]-1'-carboxylate, monohydrochloride, trihydrate. Its empirical formula is C33H38N4O6•HCl•3H2O and molecular weight is 677.19. It is slightly soluble in water and organic solvents. Its structural formula is as follows:
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What are the possible side effects of irinotecan (Camptosar)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- wheezing, feeling short of breath;
- chest pain, dry cough;
- pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
- runny nose, watery eyes, increased sweating, stomach cramps, and flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Camptosar Injection »
What are the precautions when taking irinotecan hydrochloride (Camptosar Injection)?
Before using irinotecan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: bowel blockage (e.g., paralytic ileus), certain genetic metabolism disorder (fructose intolerance).
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: radiation treatments, blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., low platelet/neutrophil/red blood cell levels), diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease.
Before having surgery, tell...
Last reviewed on RxList: 8/9/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Additional Camptosar Injection Information
Camptosar Injection - User Reviews
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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