Camptosar - Irinotecan - Injection Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Camptosar.
• Camptosar
• eye-ree-no-TEE-kan

Usage Instructions

• This drug is given by vein (IV), generally over a 90 minute period.
• Dosing is based on your condition and response to therapy.
• Frequently, drugs to treat nausea are prescribed before and after this drug is given.
• Follow all doctor and pharmacist instructions carefully.

Read Before Using Camptosar (precautions)

• Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including.

What To Do In Case Of Medical Emergency

• Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency.
• For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Camptosar Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Possible Side Effects

• Flushing may occur.
• If this persists or worsens, notify your doctor.
• Also see Warning section.
• Report immediately any diarrhea occurring within the first day of the drug injection.
• Symptoms are serious and include stomach cramping, sweating and loose stools (with or without blood).
• Another form of diarrhea can occur later, (more than one day after the dose), can last longer and is very, very serious.
• Dehydration (too little water in the body) can occur.
• Symptoms of dehydration include decreased urine amount and low blood pressure.
• This later form of diarrhea is treated immediately with loperamide as directed by your doctor.
• Have this medication on hand.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you cannot reach your doctor promptly.
• Report immediately.

Warning

• Irinotecan 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 later 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 your develop signs of infection such as persistent sore throat or fever; or unusual fatigue, or easy bruising or bleeding.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of.

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is used to treat colon or rectal cancer.

Camptosar Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not share this medication with others.
• Laboratory tests will be performed periodically to monitor for effectiveness and side effects of this drug.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• It is very important to receive all scheduled doses.
• If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly to set up a new dosing schedule.