Irinotecan liposomal is used to treat cancer of the
pancreas.
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.
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.
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)
- lung disease
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 this medication.
Irinotecan liposomal may harm an unborn baby. Women using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for
some time after the last dose. Men using this medication should ask about
reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the
last dose. If you or your partner becomes 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, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 month after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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 adagrasib, 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.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
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.
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.
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.
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).