IrinoSYM 40 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 IrinoSYM 40 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 IrinoSYM 40 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.

Treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum (large intestine).

IrinoSYM 40 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.

Inform 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 IrinoSYM 40 Injection and can cause potential side effects.

• 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.

Take 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.

Side 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

• Diarrhea is often the first sign of IrinoSYM 40 Injection.
  
  

• It may be serious if it starts more than 24 hours after taking the medication and requires immediate treatment and close supervision.
  
  

• If untreated, diarrhea can cause dehydration and dangerous chemical imbalances that may be life-threatening.
  
  

• Avoid using laxatives and stool softeners while on this medication.
  
  

• Drink plenty of water or rehydration fluids promptly and take antidiarrheal treatment like loperamide.