Irinotecan liposomal

Generic name: irinotecan liposomal [ EYE-ri-noe-TEE-kan-LYE-poe-SOE-mal ]
Brand name: Onivyde
Dosage form: intravenous dispersion (4.3 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is irinotecan liposomal?

Irinotecan liposomal is used to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Irinotecan liposomal is usually given in combination with other cancer medicines.

Irinotecan liposomal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Irinotecan liposomal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; chest tightness, wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Irinotecan liposomal may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;

• black or bloody stools;

• sores or white patches in or around your mouth;

• new or worsening cough or shortness of breath;

• dehydration symptoms--feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;

• low blood cell counts--fever, tiredness, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed; or

• symptoms of sepsis--confusion, fever or chills, severe drowsiness, fast heartbeats, rapid breathing, feeling very ill.

Common side effects of irinotecan liposomal may include:

• fever, mouth sores, or other signs of infection;

• diarrhea;

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or

• feeling weak or tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

capecitabine, fluorouracil, Xeloda, gemcitabine, Lynparza, Afinitor

Warnings

Irinotecan liposomal can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening. Call your doctor whenever you have diarrhea during your treatment with irinotecan liposomal.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to irinotecan.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;

• lung disease; or

• an intestinal disorder or obstruction.

Irinotecan liposomal 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 this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use condoms if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using condoms for at least 4 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using irinotecan liposomal.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 1 month after your last dose.

How is irinotecan liposomal given?

Irinotecan liposomal is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

irinotecan liposomal must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Irinotecan liposomal can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration.

Your doctor may recommend keeping anti-diarrhea medicine on hand at all times (such as loperamide or Imodium). Take this medicine at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements. Do not take loperamide for longer than 2 full days without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor whenever you have diarrhea during your treatment with irinotecan liposomal.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Irinotecan liposomal dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pancreatic Cancer:

70 mg/m2 IV over 90 minutes every 2 weeks

Comments:
-This drug should be administered prior to leucovorin and fluorouracil.
-A corticosteroid and an antiemetic should be given 30 minutes prior to administration of this drug.

Use: Indicated in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin for the treatment of patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after disease progression following gemcitabine-based therapy.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your irinotecan liposomal injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving irinotecan liposomal?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how irinotecan liposomal will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect irinotecan liposomal?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can affect irinotecan liposomal. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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