It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you're about to start cancer treatment. But if you're well-informed about the medicine you're going to be given, that is, chemotherapy, that fear can be greatly reduced. Today we're talking about a special injection that's given for such cancer treatment. That is Irinotecan.
What is Irinotecan?
Simply put, Irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. It is most commonly used to treat colon cancer and rectal cancer. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe it for other types of cancer as well. This drug is also available in the market under the name `(Camptosar)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
It is essential for your doctor to know the full details of your health condition in order to decide whether this treatment is right for you and to provide the treatment safely. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Your health status | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| If you are dehydrated or have diarrhea. | This medicine can cause diarrhea, which is dangerous if you already have that condition. |
| If you have liver disease. | Because the liver is important in the process of removing medication from the body. |
| Low blood counts (low white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets). | This medication can further reduce the number of blood cells. |
| If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation therapy. | Because the effect on the body may increase. |
| If you have an infection, especially a viral infection such as chickenpox or herpes. | Infections can become severe due to low immunity. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This can be very harmful to the unborn child and the nursing baby. |
| If you have an allergic reaction to Irinotecan or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. | To prevent severe allergies. |
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given as an infusion (like saline) through a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nurse who has been specially trained for this purpose.
If you are giving this medicine to children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it and take special care.
What if the medication dose is increased or missed?
Since this medicine is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is low. However, if you suspect that this has happened in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Do not miss your scheduled treatment date. If for some reason you are unable to attend, call your doctor immediately and let them know.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, traditional medicines, herbs, and supplements. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
| Do not take these with Irinotecan! | |
|---|---|
| Cobicistat | Itraconazole |
| These medications may cause problems (tell your doctor). | |
| Some medications for HIV or AIDS | Some antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Rifampin |
| Antifungals like Ketoconazole, Voriconazole | Antiepileptic drugs such as Carbamazepine and Phenytoin |
| Gemfibrozil | St. John's Wort (herbal product) |
Things you should be aware of during treatment
You need to take great care of your body during this time.
General discomfort and blood tests
Because chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and healthy cells, it is normal to feel uncomfortable and unwell during treatment. However , do not stop treatment without your doctor's advice for any reason. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. You will need to have regular blood tests (blood work) to check your blood counts during treatment.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel sleepy or dizzy. So do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a standing position or sitting position, especially if you are elderly. Get up slowly. Otherwise, you may faint and fall.
Protect yourself from infections!
This is very important. Irinotecan treatment reduces your body's ability to fight disease, that is, your immunity.
Therefore, if you experience symptoms like fever, cold, or sore throat, call your doctor immediately. Do not take medication on your own. Especially, do not take medications like Aspirin and Ibuprofen without your doctor's advice. Because these can suppress the fever and cause an internal infection to develop without you realizing it. Also, stay away from places where people with illnesses are present as much as possible during this time.
Watch out for bleeding and bruising.
This medicine may make you bleed or bruise easily. So be careful when brushing your teeth or using toothpicks. Your gums may bleed. If you develop any unusual bruising, small red spots on your skin, blood in your stool or black stool, or blood in your urine, tell your doctor immediately.
Special notice about pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility
- Pregnancy: If you are a woman, avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medication and for 6 months after stopping it. If you are a man, avoid fathering a child while taking this medication and for 3 months after stopping it. This medication can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding: Do not breastfeed your baby during treatment and for 7 days after stopping treatment.
- Fertility: This medication may cause ovarian failure in some women and a decrease in sperm count in men. This may affect your ability to have children. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
Side effects you may experience
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| If these symptoms occur, notify the doctor or hospital immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Signs of infection | Fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| Diarrhea | Severe or persistent diarrhea. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bruising on the skin, red spots, black stools, blood in the urine. |
| Symptoms of low red blood cells | Extreme fatigue, dizziness, blue eyes. |
| Other serious symptoms | Chest pain, nausea and vomiting, leg pain, swelling. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Hair loss | Appetite |
| Mouth sores | Headache |
| Constipation | Stomach pain |
Take-Home Message
- Irinotecan is a powerful cancer medicine. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and any medical conditions you are taking.
- If you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, or unusual bruising or bleeding during treatment, notify your doctor immediately.
- Diarrhea is a common and potentially serious side effect of this medication. So tell your doctor immediately if you experience diarrhea.
- Avoid becoming pregnant or fathering a child during treatment and for as long as your doctor recommends. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about fertility.
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