Uses
Irinotecan liposomal is used to treat cancer of the pancreas.
How To Use
This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein over 90 minutes as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment. To help prevent side effects such as nausea/vomiting, your doctor may direct you to take other medications before you receive this medication. Use these additional medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, mouth sores, or tiredness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- symptoms of lung disease (such as shortness of breath, cough)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- unusual tiredness
- extreme thirst
- dizziness
- fainting
- irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes
- muscle cramps/weakness
- pain/redness/swelling at the injection site or arms/legs
- black/bloody stools
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- chest pain
- weakness on one side of the body
- confusion
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using irinotecan liposomal, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- stomach/intestinal blockage
- blood/bone marrow disorders (such as low platelet/white blood cell/red blood cell levels)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Irinotecan liposomal can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using irinotecan liposomal before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using irinotecan liposomal. Irinotecan liposomal may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 1 month after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 4 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for 1 month after the last dose of this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of irinotecan liposomal from your body, which may affect how irinotecan liposomal works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, gemfibrozil, nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors (such as atazanavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin), ritonavir, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, kidney/liver function, blood mineral levels) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
