Irinotecan liposome (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2022.
Fatal neutropenic sepsis has been reported with irinotecan liposome therapy. Life-threatening neutropenia, life-threatening neutropenic fever or sepsis, and severe diarrhea has been reported with irinotecan liposome therapy in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin. Monitor blood cell counts periodically. Withhold treatment for absolute neutrophil count below 1500/mm(3), neutropenic fever. Severe diarrhea has been reported. Withhold treatment for grade 2 or higher diarrhea. Administer atropine for early diarrhea and administer loperamide for late diarrhea. Do not administer to patients with bowel obstruction .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Onivyde
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Topoisomerase I Inhibitor
Uses for irinotecan liposome
Irinotecan liposome injection is given along with other medicines to treat metastatic cancer (a cancer that has already spread) of the pancreas in patients who have received gemcitabine.
Irinotecan liposome belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells may also be affected by the medicine, other effects may also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious, but may cause concern. Some effects may occur after treatment with irinotecan liposome has been stopped. Be sure that you have discussed with your doctor the possible side effects of irinotecan liposome as well as the good it can do.
Irinotecan liposome is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using irinotecan liposome
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For irinotecan liposome, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan liposome or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of irinotecan liposome injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of irinotecan liposome injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the ..
