Irinotecan



Camptosar®







Irinotecan

(eye rye no TEE kan)

U.S. Brand Names
Camptosar®
Canadian Brand Names
Camptosar®; Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate
Mexican Brand Names
Camptosar®
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Natural Source (Plant) Derivative
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to irinotecan or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are taking atazanavir, ketoconazole, or St John's wort.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
How does it work?
  • Irinotecan injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given slowly into a vein over less than 2 hours.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • You may bleed more easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using aspirin, aspirin-containing products, other pain medicines, blood thinners, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, or vitamin E.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Take antidiarrhea medicine if diarrhea starts.
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when medicine is stopped.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea or diarrhea for more than 3 days.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: