Irinotecan (Liposomal) - Irinotecan Liposome Injection
What is this medication?
IRINOTECAN LIPOSOME (eye ri noe TEE kan LIP oh som) treats pancreatic cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ONIVYDE
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Blockage in your bowels
- Dehydration
- Infection
- Low white blood cell levels
- Lung disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan liposome, irinotecan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Itraconazole
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Certain antivirals for HIV or AIDS
- Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- Clarithromycin
- Gemfibrozil
- Nefazodone
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- St. John's Wort
- Voriconazole
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.
This medication can cause serious side effects and allergic reactions. To reduce your risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Be sure to follow the directions from your care team.
Check with your care team if you get an attack of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or if you think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or if you get pregnant within 7 months after stopping therapy. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. A reliable form of contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 7 months after stopping it. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.
Use a condom during sex and for 4 months after stopping therapy. Tell your care team right away if you think your partner might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects.
Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 1 month after stopping therapy.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Diarrhea
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat
- Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Irinotecan (Liposomal)
Self-Care Tips:
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- Follow regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds or not feeling well, and report fever or any signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- To help treat/prevent mouth sores, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda and/or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water.
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 15 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
When To Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, dark colored urine (symptoms of dehydration)
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period) despite use of anti-diarrhea medication and diet modifications.
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication).
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period)
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
- Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
