Camptosar
Generic name:irinotecan [ EYE-ri-noe-TEE-kan ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics
What is Camptosar?
Camptosar is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Camptosar is used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. It is usually given with other cancer medicines in a combination chemotherapy..
Camptosar injection is available in three single-dose sizes: 2 ml vial containing 40 mg irinotecan hydrochloride, 5 ml vial containing 100 mg irinotecan hydrochloride, and 15 ml vial containing 300 mg irinotecan hydrochloride.
Warnings
Camptosar can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).
Camptosar can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. You may be given medications to prevent or quickly treat diarrhea. Call your doctor whenever you have diarrhea during your treatment with Camptosar.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Camptosar if you are allergic to irinotecan.
To make sure Camptosar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver or kidney disease;
lung disease;
an intestinal disorder or obstruction;
Gilbert's syndrome;
fructose intolerance (Camptosar injection contains sorbitol);
radiation treatment to your abdomen or pelvic area; or
if you take a diuretic or "water pill."
Irinotecan can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is using this medicine.
If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Camptosar and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother ...
