IRINOTEL 100MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Irinotel 100mg Injection consists of the active ingredient Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate, indicated for advanced colon cancer and rectum cancer in adults. It is prescribed alone or as a combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Cancer in the colon and rectum is prevalent in age groups above 50 years and is further triggered by genetic and environmental factors. The symptoms of this cancer depend on the site at which the tumor is formed.

Myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression leading to low levels of RBC, WBC and platelets in blood) and diarrhea are the most commonly occuring adverse effects of this drug. An early form of diarrhea occurs within 24 hours of administering this drug. It is regarded as a cholinergic event. Late form of diarrhea usually occurs 2-10 days after the treatment. This is more severe, leading to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

Uses of Irinotel 100mg Injection:

• Treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum
• Treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum that has recurred and progressed after fluorouracil therapy

How Irinotel 100mg Injection works:

Irinotel 100mg Injection converts into its active metabolite with the help of the liver enzymes and inhibits the Topoisomerase I enzyme. This causes damage in the DNA synthesis and replication and prevents the cancer cells from growing and spreading.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More Information:

For single use only. Do not freeze. Keep this injection away from the sight and reach of children.

References:

1. Accord Healthcare Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Mar 2021] [Accessed on 9th Jul 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7318.pdf
2. Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Dec 2014] [Accessed on 9th Jul 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020571s048lbl.pdf
3. I.D. Penman, C.W. Lees, Alimentary Tract and Pancreatic Disease, Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 837-920.
4. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

How to use Irinotel 100mg Injection:

Your physician will recommend a DNA test before taking this injection. Your physician will inject this medicine as an infusion into your vein. The dose depends on your age, size and condition.

Safety Advice:

Pregnancy:

This medicine is harmful to the fetus when given to a pregnant woman. Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. 

Breastfeeding: 

Consult your physician for advice before breastfeeding during this treatment

Liver:

Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have liver diseases or jaundice. Your physician will monitor your liver functions and prescribe accordingly.

Kidney:

Inform your physician before starting this treatment if you have kidney diseases. Your physician will monitor your kidney functions and prescribe accordingly.

Driving: 

You may feel dizzy or tired for the first 24 hours after taking this injection. Do not use any tools or drive during this period.

Allergies: 

Inform your physician if you experience allergic reactions to irinotecan or its ingredients.

Others:

• Inform your physician if you are above 65 years of age.
• Inform your physician if you have heart problems, asthma, high BP, high cholesterol, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction, bone marrow failure, or poor general health.
• Inform your physician before taking this injection if you have taken or about to take any vaccine.

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
• Anaemia
• Pain
• Fever
• Infection
• Abnormal bilirubin levels
• Hair loss
• Weight loss