Irinotecan Liposomal
Irinotecan, Liposomal Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
IRINOTECAN LIPOSOME (eye ri noe TEE kan LIP oh som) is a chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat pancreatic cancer.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bleeding disorders
dehydration
history of blood diseases, like sickle cell anemia or leukemia
history of low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood
infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
liver disease
low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
recent or ongoing radiation therapy
an unusual or allergic reaction to irinotecan liposome, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This drug is given as an infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenytoin
clarithromycin
gemfibrozil
mephobarbital
nefazodone
phenobarbital
primidone
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
St. John's Wort
telaprevir
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Check with your doctor or health care professional if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.
This medicine may interfere with the ability to have a child. You should talk with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after the last dose; males with female partners should use condoms during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after the last dose.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
cough
diarrhea
low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding
nausea, vomiting
signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
stomach pain
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
hair loss
loss of appetite
mouth sores
upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert