home > drugs a-z list > camptosar injection (irinotecan hydrochloride) drug center > camptosar injection (irinotecan hydrochloride) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Camptosar

Generic Name: irinotecan (Pronunciation: EYE ri noe TEE kan)

• What is irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• What are the possible side effects of irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• What is the most important information I should know about irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• How is irinotecan given (Camptosar Injection)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Camptosar Injection)?
• What happens if I overdose (Camptosar Injection)?
• What should I avoid while using irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• What other drugs will affect irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?

Irinotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Irinotecan is used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy.

Irinotecan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• loose stools, watery diarrhea;
• bloody or black stools;
• runny nose, watery eyes, increased sweating, stomach cramps, and warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain, pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• swelling or irritation where the IV needle is placed;
• nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking enough fluids; or
• signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

• loss of appetite, constipation;
• dizziness;
• redness or peeling of the skin on your hands and feet;
• cough,
• temporary hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about irinotecan (Camptosar Injection)?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

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.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with irinotecan, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.