Irinotel 40 mg Injection belongs to the group of medications called anti-cancer medicines or cytostatics. It consists of the active ingredient Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate. It is indicated for advanced colon cancer and rectal cancer in adults. It is prescribed alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer in the colon and rectum is prevalent in age groups above 50 and is further triggered by genetic and environmental factors.
Myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression leading to low levels of RBC, WBC, and platelets in the blood) and diarrhea are the most common adverse effects of this medication. Other common side effects of Irinotel 40 mg Injection are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, pain, fatigue, fever, infections including sepsis, abnormal bilirubin levels, hair loss, and weight loss. Inform your doctor if these side effects disturb or persist in you.
Inform your physician if you are allergic to Irinotel 40 mg Injection and its ingredients. Before starting treatment, let your physician know if you have liver problems or jaundice, kidney and heart problems, asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or severe diarrhea. If you are smoking or have ever received radiation therapy, report to your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider if you take other medicines, herbs, and supplements. Effective contraception (birth control) by males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy. Your physician will perform blood tests during and before treatment to check for the effects of the medicine on blood counts or blood chemistry.
Uses of Irinotel 40mg InjectionTreatment of metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum (large intestine). Therapeutic Effects of Irinotel 40mg Injection
Irinotel 40 mg Injection works by converting its active metabolite with the help of liver enzymes and inhibits the Topoisomerase I enzyme. This causes damage to the DNA synthesis and its replication, thus preventing the cancer cells from growing and spreading. Interaction of Irinotel 40mg Injection with other drugsInform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications tend to interact with Irinotel 40 mg Injection and can cause potential side effects.More Information about Irinotel 40mg Injection Do not freeze.Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.Keep this medicine away from the sight and reach of children.How to consume Irinotel 40mg InjectionTake this medicine exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare professional administers it into your vein. Do not self-administer. Your physician will recommend a DNA test before taking this medicine. The dose depends on your age, size, and medical condition.Safety Advices for Irinotel 40mg Injection
Pregnancy
Irinotel 40 mg Injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy as it may harm the developing baby. Women who have potential childbearing use effective contraceptives during and after 6 months after treatment.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to use during breastfeeding as Irinotel 40 mg Injection, and its metabolites are found in human milk. It must be discontinued for the duration of therapy. Consult your doctor for advice.
Lungs
It is unknown whether it is safe to administer Irinotel 40 mg Injection in patients with lung disorders. Please consult your doctor for more advice.
Liver
Irinotel 40 mg Injection is used with caution in patients with liver impairment. Inform your physician before starting treatment if you have liver disease or jaundice. Your physician will monitor your liver functions and adjust the dose accordingly.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Irinotel 40 mg Injection. Check with your doctor for advice.
Driving
You may feel dizzy or tired for 24 hours after taking this medicine. Do not use any tools or drive during treatment with Irinotel 40 mg Injection.
Side Effects of Irinotel 40mg InjectionSide effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.Serious:
- Early and late diarrhea
- Allergic reactions
- Kidney impairment
- Lung problems
- Low levels of RBC, WBC, and platelets in the blood
Common:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Fever, infections including sepsis
- Abnormal bilirubin levels
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
Word of AdviceDiarrhea is the first sign of Irinotel 40 mg Injection. It may be serious if diarrhea starts more than 24 hours after administration of this medication. It should be treated immediately and kept under close supervision. If left untreated, it could lead to dehydration and serious chemical imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Try to avoid laxatives and stool softeners while taking this medicine. Drink large amounts of water and rehydration fluids immediately. Take antidiarrheal treatment like loperamide.FAQs Q 1. Do you always lose your hair with Irinotel 40 mg Injection?Hair loss is common with Irinotel 40 mg Injection. It usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of this medication.
Q 2. Does Irinotel 40 mg Injection cause liver damage?Irinotel 40 mg Injection may cause liver impairment or damage. Inform your physician before starting treatment if you have liver disease or jaundice.
Q 3. What happens if Irinotel 40 mg Injection is taken in more than recommended dose?If Irinotel 40 mg Injection is taken in more than the recommended doses, it can cause severe blood disorders and diarrhea.
Q 4. Which is the best area to administer Irinotel 40 mg Injection?Irinotel 40 mg Injection will be administered into the vein under strict medical supervision. Do not self-administer.
Q 5. How to prevent diarrhea while taking Irinotel 40 mg Injection?Drink large amounts of water and rehydration fluids to prevent diarrhea. It is advised to take antidiarrheal medicines, including loperamide.
Fact Box of Irinotel 40mg InjectionMolecule name: Irinotecan | Therapeutic class: Topoisomerase I inhibitors |
Pharmacological class: Antineoplastics | Indications: Colon and rectum cancer (large intestine cancer) |
