Irinotel Warnings

Irinotecan injection should be administered only under the supervision of a physician who is experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.
Irinotecan Injection can induce both early and late forms of diarrhea that appear to be mediated by different mechanisms. Both forms of diarrhea may be severe. Early diarrhea (occurring during or within 24 hours of administration of irinotecan) may be preceded by complaints of diaphoresis and abdominal cramping and may be ameliorated by atropine. Late diarrhea (occurring more than 24 hours after administration of irinotecan) can be prolonged, may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, and can be life threatening. Late diarrhea should be treated promptly with loperamide; patients with severe diarrhea should be carefully monitored and given fluid and electrolyte replacement if they become dehydrated. Administration of irinotecan should be interrupted if severe diarrhea occurs. Severe myelosuppression may occur.