What is irinotecan?
Irinotecan is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells 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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about irinotecan?
Do not use irinotecan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
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 are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while using 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving irinotecan?
You should not use irinotecan if you are allergic to it.
To make sure you can safely receive irinotecan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver or kidney disease;
diabetes;
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
an intestinal disorder or obstruction;
Gilbert's syndrome;
fructose intolerance (irinotecan contains sorbitol); or
if you are receiving radiation treatment to your abdomen or pelvic area.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use irinotecan if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective 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. You should not breast-feed while you are using irinotecan.