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Irinotecan liposomal
  • Treatments
  • Pancreatic Cancer

Irinotecan liposomal

Generic name: irinotecan liposomal [ EYE-ri-noe-TEE-kan-LYE-poe-SOE-mal ]
Brand name: Onivyde
Dosage form: intravenous dispersion (4.3 mg/mL)
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 13, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is irinotecan liposomal?

Irinotecan liposomal is used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Irinotecan liposomal is usually given in combination with other cancer medicines.

Irinotecan liposomal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Irinotecan liposomal can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Call your doctor whenever you have diarrhea during your treatment with irinotecan liposomal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to irinotecan.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver or kidney disease;

  • lung disease; or

  • an intestinal disorder or obstruction.

Irinotecan liposomal can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.

  • If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

  • If you are a man, use condoms if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using condoms for at least 4 months after your last dose.

  • Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using irinotecan liposomal.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How is irinotecan liposomal given?

Irinotecan liposomal is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

irinotecan liposomal must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Irinotecan liposomal can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration.

Your doctor may recommend keeping anti-diarrhea medicine on hand at all times (such as loperamide or Imodium). Take this medicine at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements. Do not take loperamide for longer than 2 full days without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor whenever you have diarrhea during your treatment with irinotecan liposomal.

You may need frequent medi...