Camptosar

Pronunciation: EYE-ri-noe-TEE-kan
Generic Name: Irinotecan
Brand Name: Camptosar

Camptosar can cause severe diarrhea, both early in treatment and 24 hours or more after receiving this drug. The early form of diarrhea may be accompanied by runny nose, increased salivation, tearing eyes, sweating, stomach cramps, or flushing. Using atropine can help with these side effects. The late-onset form of diarrhea (after 24 hours) can persist and may lead to vitamin and mineral imbalances that could be fatal if untreated. Your doctor will give you loperamide for this form of diarrhea. Use the loperamide exactly as directed. You may also be given fluid, vitamin, and mineral replacements. Your doctor may temporarily stop irinotecan if severe diarrhea continues. It may be restarted later at a lower dose. Irinotecan can also cause bone marrow suppression, which can decrease your ability to fight infections or cause bleeding problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection, such as persistent sore throat or fever, unusual fatigue, or easy bruising or bleeding.

Camptosar is used for:

Treating cancer of the colon or rectum. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Camptosar is an antineoplastic agent. It works by interfering with the production of proteins necessary for cancer cell growth and reproduction.

Do NOT use Camptosar if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Camptosar


• you are taking ketoconazole or St. John's wort

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Camptosar:

Some medical conditions may interact with Camptosar. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have liver disease; a blood disorder; bone marrow depression; diabetes or high blood sugar; kidney or lung disease; or herpes zoster, varicella, or another infection; or you cannot tolerate fructose


• if you have recently received or will be receiving a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps)


• if you have recently had or will be having dental procedures or radiation therapy

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Camptosar. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Other antineoplastic agents, dexamethasone, diuretics (eg, furosemide), ketoconazole, or prochlorperazine because they may increase the risk of Camptosar's side effects


• Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), phenobarbital, rifabutin, rifampin, or St. John's wort because they may decrease Camptosar's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Camptosar may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Camptosar:

Use Camptosar as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Camptosar is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Camptosar at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Camptosar. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• Do not use Camptosar if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.


• Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids while using Camptosar.


• If you spill Camptosar on your skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.


• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.


• If you miss a dose of Camptosar, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Camptosar.

Important safety information:

• Camptosar may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or vision changes. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Camptosar with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• If nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite occurs, ask your doctor or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects.


• If swelling occurs at the injection site, apply ice to the area.


• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Camptosar. Avoid close contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.


• If you experience diarrhea more than 24 hours after receiving a dose of Camptosar, contact your doctor immediately. Have loperamide available to take at the first sign of a loose stool. Check with your doctor for the appropriate dose.


• Avoid use of laxatives because of the risk of increased diarrhea. Contact your doctor to discuss any laxative use.


• If you are unable to drink fluids while using Camptosar, contact your doctor right away.


• Your hair may fall out while using Camptosar. It usually grows back after treatment.


• Camptosar may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.


• Report any symptoms of fluid or electrolyte loss to your doctor (eg, unusual drowsiness; dizziness; lightheadedness; dry mouth; infrequent urination; lack of energy; low blood pressure; muscle pain or cramps; muscle weakness; rapid heartbeat; stomach disorders, such as nausea and vomiting; thirst; restlessness; weakness).


• Lab tests, including white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, may be performed while you use Camptosar. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Camptosar with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially the risk of early- and late-onset diarrhea.


• Camptosar should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Camptosar may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Camptosar while you are pregnant. It is not known if Camptosar is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Camptosar.

Possible side effects of Camptosar:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Back pain; constipation; cough; dehydration; dizziness; drowsiness; flushing; gas; hair loss; headache; increased salivation; indigestion; loss of appetite; mouth sores; nausea; runny nose; small pupils; stomach pain/cramps; sweating; tearing eyes; trouble sleeping; weakness; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; calf pain or tenderness; chest, jaw, or left arm pain; confusion; diarrhea; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; lightheadedness; lung or breathing problems (eg, cough); mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; pain in the groin or lower legs; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; severe or persistent dizziness; severe stomach or back pain; shortness of breath; sudden, severe headache; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual change in the amount of urine; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Camptosar side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea.

Proper storage of Camptosar:

Camptosar is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Camptosar at home, store Camptosar as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Camptosar out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Camptosar, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Camptosar is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Camptosar. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Camptosar resources

• Camptosar Side Effects (in more detail)
• Camptosar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Camptosar Drug Interactions
• Camptosar Support Group
• 1 Review for Camptosar - Add your own review/rating

• Camptosar Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Camptosar Consumer Overview


• Camptosar Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Camptosar Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Irinotecan Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Irinotecan Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

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