Irinotecan IV
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
- bowel blockage (e.g., paralytic ileus)
- certain genetic metabolism disorder (fructose intolerance)
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including:
- radiation treatments
- blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., low platelet/neutrophil/red blood cell levels)
- diabetes
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- lung disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a sitting or lying position, get up slowly.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.
Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially diarrhea.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while using this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Irinotecan IV Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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