Irinotecan medac
Irinotecan medac is a cancer medicine that helps stop cancer cells from growing and spreading in the body.
Form
infuusiokonsentraatti, liuosta varten
Strength
20 mg/ml
Active Ingredient
Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydric
Manufacturer
Medac Gesellschaft Für Klinische Spezialpräparate mbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your dose based on your age, weight, health, and the type of cancer.
Method
This medicine is given as a slow injection into a vein (IV infusion) in a clinic or hospital, usually over up to 90 minutes.
Important
The maximum daily dose is determined by your doctor based on your treatment plan.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Low white blood cell count (increases infection risk)
- •Low red blood cell count (causes tiredness and shortness of breath)
- •Poor appetite
- •Cholinergic syndrome (symptoms like runny nose, sweating, cramps)
- •Vomiting
- •Nausea
- •Stomach pain
- •Hair loss (reversible)
- •Inflammation of mucous membranes (e.g., mouth sores)
- •Fever
- •Feeling weak and tired
- •Low platelet count (causes bruising or bleeding)
- •Abnormal liver function test results
- •Infection
- •Low white blood cell count with fever
- •Difficulty passing stool
- •Abnormal kidney function test results
RARE
- •Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea (caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile)
- •Blood infection
- •Dehydration (due to diarrhea and vomiting)
- •Dizziness, fast heart rate, and pale skin (due to low blood volume)
- •Allergic reaction
- •Temporary speech problems during or right after treatment
- •Tingling and numbness
- •High blood pressure (during or after infusion)
- •Heart problems
- •Lung disease causing wheezing or shortness of breath
- •Hiccups
- •Bowel blockage
- •Enlarged large intestine
- •Bleeding from the intestine
- •Inflammation of the large intestine
- •Abnormal lab test results
- •Hole in the bowel wall
- •Fatty liver
- •Skin reactions
- •Reactions at the injection site
- •Low potassium level in blood
- •Low salt level in blood (mainly due to diarrhea and vomiting)
- •Muscle cramps
- •Kidney problems
- •Low blood pressure
- •Fungal infections
- •Viral infections
Important Warnings
- Do not take Irinotecan medac if you have severe inflammatory bowel disease, a blocked bowel, or severe bone marrow problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine, are breastfeeding, have very high bilirubin in your blood, poor general health, or if you use St. John's wort or certain live vaccines.
- Irinotecan medac can cause severe diarrhea, which can be dangerous if not treated. Tell your doctor immediately if you get diarrhea, especially if it's severe or you feel dizzy.
- This medicine can lower your white blood cells, increasing infection risk, and lower platelets, increasing bleeding risk. Your doctor will monitor your blood regularly.
- You might feel dizzy or have vision problems for up to 24 hours after your treatment. Do not drive or use machines if you have these effects.