Irinotecan Liposome (By injection)
eye-ri-noe-TEE-kan LYE-poh-some
Treats cancer of the pancreas.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Irinotecan liposome injection is given along with other medicines to treat metastatic cancer (a cancer that has already spread) of the pancreas in patients who have received gemcitabine.
Irinotecan liposome belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious, but may cause concern. Some effects may occur after treatment with irinotecan liposome has been stopped. Be sure that you have discussed with your doctor the possible side effects of this medicine as well as the good it can do.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine that contains irinotecan.
Some foods and medicines can affect how irinotecan liposome works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Atazanavir, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, gemfibrozil, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John’s wort, telaprevir, voriconazoleWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to irinotecan liposome or irinotecan, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during therapy and for 1 month after the last dose of this medicine. Men who are receiving irinotecan liposome should use condoms as a form of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after your final dose.
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose of this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you have bowel blockage or lung disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Severely low levels of white blood cells, which may lead to serious and life-threatening infection Diarrhea that could be severe and life-threatening Interstitial lung diseaseYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, cough
Fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Severe or ongoing diarrhea, bloody or black, tarry stools
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Tiredness or weakness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Onivyde
There may be other brand names for this medicine.