Topoblock Warnings

Irinotecan Injection should be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer chemo-therapeutic agents. The drug can induce both early and late forms of diarrhoea that appears to be mediated by different mechanisms. Both form of diarrhoea may be severe. Early diarrhoea occur during or shortly after infusion of irinotecan may be accompanied by cholinergic symptoms of rhinitis, increased salivation, miosis, lacrimation, diaphoresis, flushing, and intestinal hyper peristalsis that can cause abdominal cramping.
Early diarrhoea and other cholinergic symptoms may be prevented or ameliorated by atropine. Late diarrhoea generally occur more than 24 hours after the administration of irinotecan can be prolonged, may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and can be life threatening. Late diarrhoea should be treated promptly with Loperamide; patients with severe diarrhoea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated. Administration of irinotecan should be interrupted and subsequent doses be reduced if severe diarrhoea occurs. Severe myelosuppression may occur.
Use in Pregnancy & Lactation: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of irinotecan in pregnant women. If the drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while receiving this drug, the patient should be appraised of the potential hazard to the foetus. Women of child bearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving the treatment with Irinotecan.