Warning: the following details is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the judgment & expertise & judgment of your pharmacist. it should not be construed to indicate that use about medication is safe or effective for you. Consult your physician before using this drug.
Irinotecan - injection
(eye-ree-no-tee-kan)
common brand names: Camptosar
Warning: Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea, both early in treatment & 24 hours or more after receiving it drug. the early form of diarrhea may be accompanied by runny nose, increased salivation, tearing eyes, sweating, stomach cramps, or flushing. Using atropine can help with these side effects. later form of diarrhea (after 24 hours) can persist and may lead to vitamin & mineral imbalances that could be death if untreated. youre doctor will give you loperamide for this form of diarrhea. Use loperamide exactly as directed. You may also be given fluid, vitamin & mineral replacements. your doctor may temporarily stop irinotecan if severe diarrhea continues. it may be restarted later at a lower dose. Irinotecan can also cause bone marrow suppression, which can decrease your ability to fight infections or cause bleeding problems. Notify your healthcare professional immediately if your develop signs of infection such as persistent sore throat or fever; or unusual fatigue, or simple bruising or bleeding.
Camptosar Usage: this drug is used to treat colon or rectal cancer.
How to use Camptosar: this drug is given by vein (IV), generally over a 90 minute period. Dosing is based on your condition and response to therapy. Frequently, drugs to treat nausea are prescribed before & after this drug is given. Follow every doctor and healthcare professional instructions carefully.
Camptosar side effects: Flushing may occur. If this persists or worsens, notify some your doctor. Also look Warning section. Report immediately any diarrhea occurring within first day of the drug injection. Symptoms are serious and include stomach cramping, sweating & loose stools (with or without blood). another form about diarrhea can occur later, (more than one day after dose), can last longer and is very, very serious. Dehydration (too very small amount water at the body) can occur. Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urine amount and low blood pressure. this later form about diarrhea is treated immediately with loperamide as directed by your healthcare professional. Have this medication on hand. Seek immediate healthcare professional attention if you cann't reach you're pharmacist promptly. Report immediately: redness or swelling at the injection site, black or bloody stools, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting, persistent sore throat, fever, shortness about breath, rash. Very unlikely but report immediately: unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual change in amount of urine, chest pain, pain in the groin or lower legs. Hair loss may occur. Frequently it is temporary. Discuss any concerns with your doctor or healthcare professional. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate doctor attention if it occurs. Symptoms about an allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Camptosar Precautions: Before using this drug, tell you're healthcare professional your medical history, including: allergies (especially pill allergies), history of radiation treatments, diabetes, liver disease, lung disease. Use of laxatives should be avoided since this drug can cause diarrhea. Limit alcohol intake since it may aggravate side effects. To avoid dizziness & lightheadedness when rising from seated or lying position, get up slowly. it medication must not be used during pregnancy because this can cause fetal harm. Use reliable form of birth control while you using this drug to avoid becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your healthcare professional immediately. It's not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of potential risk to infant, breast-feeding while using it drug isnot recommended. Consult your physician before breast-feeding. Caution is advised when it drug is used in elderly.
Camptosar drug interactions: Tell you're doctor of every nonprescription & prescription medication you may use, especially about: other anti-cancer drugs, laxatives, 'water pills' (diuretics), tablets that treat diabetes. do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or physician approval.
Camptosar Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact you're local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Camptosar special notes: do not share this medication with others. Laboratory tests will be performed periodically to monitor for effectiveness & side effects of this pill.
If you missed Camptosar dose: it is very important to receive all scheduled doses. If you miss dose, contact you're physician promptly to set up new dosing schedule.
Camptosar Storage: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Medical alert: some your condition may cause complications in medical emergency.
Active Ingredients : Irinotecan