Irinotecan

Examples

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Brand Name	Chemical Name
CPT-11	irinotecan hydrochloride

How It Works

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Irinotecan is an antitumor drug that interferes with how cancer cells multiply. The dose is based on your body size. The type and extent of a cancer determines the exact dose and schedule for using this drug. Irinotecan is an intravenous (IV) drug.

Why It Is Used

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Irinotecan is used to treat cancer of the cervix, colon, or rectum. It may also be used to treat non–small cell lung cancer.

How Well It Works

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Irinotecan is an effective antitumor drug for many people. However, the type and extent of a cancer determines how effectively this drug slows or stops the growth of cancer cells in the body. Irinotecan is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, making the other drugs more effective than they are by themselves.¹

Side Effects

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Side effects of irinotecan include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Low blood counts, which may increase your risk of infection or bleeding.
• Fever.
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Gas or bloating.
• Increased sweating and increased saliva.
• Rash.
• Temporary hair loss.
• Mouth sores.
• Changes in kidney and liver function tests.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

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Irinotecan should be administered only under the supervision of a medical oncologist.

You may not be able to become pregnant or father a child after taking this medication. Discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.

Irinotecan can cause birth defects. Do not use it if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or father a child while you are taking it.

Do not use this medication if you have:

• Liver disease.
• Lung disease.
• Chickenpox or shingles.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

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Citations

1. Venook A (2005). Critical evaluation of current treatments of metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncologist, 10(4): 250–261.

Credits

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Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Updated	December 1, 2006