Drugs & Vitamins

Camptosar Active Ingredients: Irinotecan Representative Names: Camptosar Available Product Images: What is irinotecan injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with irinotecan? What side effects may I notice from receiving irinotecan? What should I watch for while taking irinotecan? Where can I keep my medicine? What is irinotecan injection? (Back to top) IRINOTECAN (Camptosar®) is a chemotherapy agent used to treat colon and rectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and many other types of cancer. Irinotecan interferes with the growth of rapidly dividing cells, like cancer cells, and eventually causes these cells to die. Irinotecan may be used alone or with other chemotherapy agents. Generic irinotecan injections are not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •an active infection •bleeding problems or other blood disorders •dehydration •dental disease •diabetes or glucose (sugar) intolerance •diarrhea •liver disease, including jaundice •recent radiation therapy •an unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Irinotecan is for infusion into a vein. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. If you notice pain, swelling, burning or any other unusual feelings around the site of your injection, tell your health care professional immediately. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) It is important not to miss your dose. Let your prescriber or health care professional know if you are unable to keep an appointment. What drug(s) may interact with irinotecan? (Back to top) •other chemotherapy agents may increase the side effects due to irinotecan •carbamazepine •fosphenytoin •laxatives •phenobarbital •phenytoin •primidone •vaccines Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines: •aspirin •acetaminophen •ibuprofen •naproxen •ketoprofen •St. John's wort Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving irinotecan? (Back to top) The side effects you may experience with irinotecan therapy depend upon the dose, other types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy given, and the disease being treated. Not all of these effects occur in all patients. Discuss any concerns or questions with your prescriber or health care professional. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •low blood counts - irinotecan may decrease the number of white blood cells and red blood cells. You may be at increased risk for infections. Less commonly, irinotecan may decrease the number of platelets, which may cause bleeding. •signs of infection - fever or chills, sore throat •signs of decreased platelets - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin •signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness •signs of dehydration - lightheadedness, dizziness, or faintness •diarrhea •difficulty breathing •flushing •nausea, vomiting •pain, swelling, redness or irritation at the injection site •runny nose •sweating •stomach pain and/or cramping Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •drowsiness •gas •headache •hair loss •indigestion •loss of appetite •skin flushing •skin rash, itching •weight loss What should I watch for while taking irinotecan? (Back to top) Irinotecan can cause diarrhea, which can be severe, within several days of receiving the infusion. You should have loperamide (Imodium®) readily available to treat diarrhea occurring more than 24 hours after receiving irinotecan. At the first sign of late diarrhea (i.e., abdominal cramping, sweating), take 4 mg of loperamide (two 2mg caplets or equivalent liquid preparation) by mouth. Then, take loperamide 2 mg by mouth every 2 hours until diarrhea-free for at least 12 hours. During the night, take 4 mg of loperamide (two 2 mg caplets or equivalent liquid preparation) every 4 hours as prescribed. This dose is usually higher than what is recommended on the box; make sure to follow the instructions given to you by your health care provider. Avoid laxatives while receiving irinotecan-based therapy as these agents may exacerbate diarrhea. Contact your health care professoional before using any laxative products. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks. The side effects of irinotecan can continue after you finish your treatment; report side effects promptly. Irinotecan may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because irinotecan affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Irinotecan may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Rarely, irinotecan may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding. Be careful not to cut, bruise or injure yourself because you may get an infection and bleed more than usual. Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as they may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using irinotecan. Females of childbearing age should take appropriate precautions to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving irinotecan. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will only receive this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting and will not take it at home. Last Updated:08/08/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.