Onivyde Side Effects

Generic name: irinotecan liposomal

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 27, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Onivyde Side Effects associated with irinotecan liposomal. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Onivyde.

Applies to irinotecan liposomal: intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. It may also cause birth defects if the father is receiving it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Female patients should use effective birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 7 months after the last dose. Male patients who have female partners should use effective birth control (eg, condoms) during treatment with this medicine and for 4 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor if you are using a medicine that contains irinotecan. Do not use Onivyde™ to substitute for other medicines containing irinotecan.

This medicine will lower the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

This medicine may cause severe diarrhea. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause a serious lung or breathing problem (eg, interstitial lung disease). Check with your doctor right away if you have cough, difficult breathing, or fever.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are receiving this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Onivyde

Along with its needed effects, irinotecan liposomal (the active ingredient contained in Onivyde) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking irinotecan liposomal:

Other side effects of Onivyde

Some side effects of irinotecan liposomal may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to irinotecan liposomal: intravenous dispersion.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (70%), nausea (61%), vomiting (54%), abdominal pain (34%), constipation (18%), stomatitis, mucosal inflammation
• Common (1% to 10%): Gastroenteritis, oral candidiasis, colitis, hemorrhoids
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Esophagitis, proctitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Alopecia (22%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash maculopapular, nail discoloration^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (33%), neutropenia (15%), leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphopenia, febrile neutropenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Biliary sepsis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoalbuminemia, increased bilirubin, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased international normalized ratio^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion related reaction^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite (49%), weight loss (20%), hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, dehydration
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, dehydration^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cholinergic syndrome, dysgeusia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (37%), asthenia (24%), pyrexia (20%), enema peripheral (19%)^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Septic shock, sepsis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, embolism, dyspnea, dysphonia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, deep vein thrombosis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombosis^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Onivyde side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer