Camptosar Injection (Irinotecan Hydrochloride) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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Colon cancer facts

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in males and fourth in females in the U.S.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity, colon polyps, and long-standing ulcerative colitis.
Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Removal of colon polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
Colon polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms. Therefore regular screening is important.
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer tissue.
Treatment of colorectal cancer depends on the location, size, and extent of cancer spread, as well as the age and health of the patient.
Surgery is the most c...

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Camptosar Injection Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to irinotecan.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive irinotecan:

liver disease;
an intestinal disorder or obstruction;
Gilbert's syndrome;
diabetes;
fructose intolerance (irinotecan contains sorbitol); or
if you are receiving radiation treatment to your abdomen or pelvic area.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive irinotecan without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether irinotecan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is irinotecan given (Camptosar Injection)?

Irinotecan is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete. The irinotecan injection is usually followed by infusions with other cancer medications. These combination chemotherapy treatments are usually given at weekly intervals for several weeks.

Before starting your irinotecan injection, you may be given medications to help prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. You may also need to use some of these medications for at least a day after your irinotecan injection.

Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. Diarrhea can occur soon after your injection or more than 24 hours later.

Your doctor may recommend you have an anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) available at all times while you are receiving irinotecan. Take the anti-diarrhea medication at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements.

Call your doctor if you still have diarrhea after 24 hours of taking anti-diarrhea medicine. Do not take loperamide for longer than 2 full days without your doctor's advice.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

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