 |
Generic Name: Irinotecan
Brand Name(s): Camptosar®
IUPAC: 2-chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-methylethanamine
FDA Approval: yes
Manufacturer Link
|
Usage: Irinotecan is used most commonly to treat
metastatic colorectal cancer. Irinotecan is administered as an intravenous infusion.
Mechanism: Irinotecan is a
topoisomerase inhibitor which causes breaks in
DNA to remain unrepaired, eventually leading to cell death.
Side Effects: Common side effects include diarrhea and abdominal cramps, abnormal body , temperature, fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, hair loss. Diarrhea can become life threatening due to dehydration if prolonged. Patients should receive medication for diarrhea and fluids should be given to avoid dehydration. Irinotecan may also cause bone marrow suppression which results in a decrease in the number of infection-fighting cells. This could result in severe infection. Patients receiving irinotecan should not become pregnant as it can cause harm to the unborn child.
(1)
Print
Email Page
