Irinotecan
About Irinotecan
Irinotecan belongs to a class of antineoplastic medications or chemotherapy drugs primarily used to manage or treat Colorectal cancer (Cancer that develops in the colon or rectal tissue). Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.
Irinotecan contains Irinotecan works by blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase I. All cells need this enzyme to divide and grow. Irinotecan blocks this enzyme so the cancer cells can not divide. As a result, Irinotecan inhibits cancer cell division and growth.
Irinotecan should be administered to patients only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and experience to administer cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, anorexia (an eating disorder), Neutropenia (an unusually low number of cells called neutrophils), leukopenia (including lymphocytopenia), anaemia (not having enough healthy red blood cells), asthenia (abnormal weakness), fever, weight loss, alopecia (hair loss). You should talk to your doctor if you persistently experience these side effects.
Avoid using Irinotecan if you are allergic to it. Irinotecan can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant or get pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months after the treatment. Using effective contraceptive methods is recommended while on treatment with Irinotecan. Contact your doctor immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is usually not advised during this treatment since it is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Uses of Irinotecan
Medicinal Benefits
Irinotecan is an antineoplastic medicine or chemotherapeutic treatment used to control or treat colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer). Irinotecan contains Irinotecan acts by inhibiting an enzyme known as topoisomerase I. This enzyme is required for all cells to divide and flourish. Irinotecan inhibits this enzyme, preventing cancer cells from dividing. As a result, Irinotecan inhibits cancer cell division and growth.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Irinotecan
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Watery eyes
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Increased saliva
- Shrinking pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)
- Constipation
- Anorexia (an eating disorder)
- Neutropenia (an unusually low number of cells called neutrophils)
- Leukopenia (including lymphocytopenia)
- Anaemia (not having enough healthy red blood cells)
- Asthenia (abnormal weakness)
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Alopecia (hair loss)
Drug Warnings
Before taking the Irinotecan, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Before and during your therapy, your doctor will prescribe laboratory testing on a regular basis. You may also suffer severe diarrhoea (known as ''late diarrhoea'') more than 24 hours after receiving Irinotecan. Your doctor would advise you to take antidiarrheal drugs at regular intervals throughout the day and night. When taking antidiarrheal drugs, always follow your doctor's instructions. During your therapy, your doctor will also inform you which foods to take and which to avoid to reduce diarrhoea. Drink plenty of fluids and strictly adhere to this diet.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Irinotecan may interact with macrolide antibiotics (e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin), medicines used to treat high blood pressure and to control angina (e.g. diltiazem), anti-fungal medications (e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole) and HIV/AIDS medications (e.g. ritonavir).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages and grapefruit juices.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Irinotecan may interact with disease conditions, including severe renal or hepatic conditions, severe diarrhoea, bone marrow suppression, Neutropenia (An abnormally low count of a type of white blood cell), and pulmonary toxicity.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Irinotecan.
Pregnancy
unsafeIrinotecan should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIrinotecan should not be used in breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionIrinotecan can make you dizzy or impair your vision, especially in the first 24 hours after taking it. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Liver
cautionIrinotecan should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Inform your doctor before receiving the Irinotecan if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionIt is not recommended for use in patients on dialysis. Inform your doctor before receiving the Irinotecan if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
cautionSafety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
Keep all of your doctor's and laboratory appointments. Your doctor will arrange tests to assess your body's reaction to Irinotecan.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which our cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer is a condition in which cells in the colon or rectum proliferate uncontrollably. It is known as colon cancer. The colon is also known as the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the tunnel between the colon and the anus.
FAQs
Irinotecan contains Irinotecan works by blocking an enzyme called topoisomerase I. All cells need this enzyme to divide and grow. Irinotecan blocks this enzyme so the cancer cells can't divide. As a result, Irinotecan inhibits cancer cell division and growth.
Irinotecan should not be used in patients with pulmonary diseases. So, inform your doctor if you have pulmonary disorders (lung problems).
While taking Irinotecan, make sure you visit your doctor at all the appointments to ensure that treatment works. Regular monitoring of blood and lipid tests and weight checks are required. An effective way of contraception should be used by both men and women while taking the Irinotecan.
The live vaccine may not work while on treatment with Irinotecan. Only have immunizations/vaccinations after talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid contact with people who recently had immunizations /vaccinations.
Irinotecan therapy may lead to Neutropenia (an unusually low number of neutrophil cells). Your doctor will order laboratory testing on a regular basis before and during your treatment.
You should know that this medicine may reduce fertility in both men and women. Discuss the risks of taking an irinotecan injection with your doctor.
