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.
How is irinotecan given?
Your doctor may recommend a DNA test before your first dose of irinotecan. Some people are genetically more likely to have certain side effects from irinotecan.
Irinotecan is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Irinotecan must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.
You may be given other medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects while you are receiving irinotecan. You may need to keep using these medications for at least a day after your irinotecan injection.
 | Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when irinotecan is injected. |
 | If any of the medicine gets on your skin, wash right away with soap and water. |
| Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea, which can occur soon after your injection or more than 24 hours later. You can easily become dehydrated if you have ongoing diarrhea. You may also develop a severe infection or a serious electrolyte imbalance. |
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 may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
| If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using irinotecan. |
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your irinotecan injection.
What happens if I overdose?
| Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. |
Overdose symptoms may include some of the serious side effects listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of irinotecan?
| 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 feeling);
- black, bloody, or tarry stools;
- nausea or vomiting that keeps you from drinking enough fluids;
- burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle;
- sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
- swelling, rapid weight gain; or
- feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, feeling light-headed, or hot and dry skin.
Less serious side effects may include:
- dizziness;
- temporary hair loss.
- loss of appetite, constipation;
- mild skin rash; or
- redness or peeling of the skin on your hands and feet.
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 other drugs will affect irinotecan?
Before you are treated with irinotecan, tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines you have recently used.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
- atazanavir (Reyataz);
- a diuretic (water pill);
- ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal);
- rifabutin (Mycobutin);
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
- St. John's wort; or
- seizure medicine such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), phenobarbital (Solfoton), or phenytoin (Dilantin).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with irinotecan. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about irinotecan.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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