Compare Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)Onivyde (liposomal irinotecan)
- Irinotecan (Camptosar)Onivyde (liposomal irinotecan)
Summary of Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Summary for Topoisomerase I inhibitorPrescription onlyIrinotecan (Camptosar) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat colon cancer. It’s also often used off-label for many other cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Irinotecan (Camptosar) works as a topoisomerase inhibitor to stop the cancer from growing. It’s given as an infusion through the vein at a medical center. It’s usually given along with other cancer therapies but can also be used by itself. Irinotecan (Camptosar) commonly causes diarrhea as a side effect. It can also lower your blood cell counts and put you at higher risk of infections. This medication is available as generic and brand-name versions.
Summary for Topoisomerase I inhibitorPrescription onlyOnivyde (liposomal irinotecan) is a chemotherapy medication used for treating pancreatic cancer in adults. It works as a topoisomerase inhibitor to damage cancer cells and stop the cancer from growing. Onivyde (liposomal irinotecan) is given as an infusion through the vein once every 2 weeks. The medication is given by a nurse at a medical center. It’s usually used together with other cancer treatments. Common side effects of Onivyde (liposomal irinotecan) together with other treatments include fatigue and diarrhea.
Indications of Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Indications forIndications for•Metastatic pancreatic cancer•As next-choice treatment, with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, after trying gemcitabine-based treatmentPros and Cons of Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Pros and Const for Topoisomerase I inhibitorPros•Doesn’t cause cold sensitivity or nerve problemsCons•Given as an infusion through the vein•Often causes diarrhea and hair lossPros and Const for Topoisomerase I inhibitorPros•Recommended treatment option for pancreatic cancer•Usually given once every 2 weeksCons•Can cause diarrhea, fatigue, and low blood cell counts•Must be given with other chemotherapy medicationsCommon Side Effects of Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Common Side Effects for•Low blood cell counts (up to 97%)•Late diarrhea (more than 24 hours after the - infusion, 85%)•Nausea (79%)•Feeling very weak (70%)•Stomach pain (63%)•Vomiting (60%)•Early diarrhea (within 24 hours of the infusion, 46%)•Hair loss (43%)•Fever (42%)•Constipation (41%)•Loss of appetite (34%)•Mouth sores, inflammation, or pain (32%)•General pain (31%)Common Side Effects for•Lower hemoglobin levels (91%)•Diarrhea (72%)•Lower white blood cell count (up to 64%)•Lower potassium levels (62%)•Feeling very tired (62%)•Nausea (59%)•Lower platelet count (55%)•Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 45%)•Vomiting (40%)•Not feeling as hungry (37%)•Stomach pain (35%)•Mouth sores (28%)•Constipation (25%)Warnings of Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Common Side Effects for•Severe diarrhea•Low blood cell counts (myelosuppression)•Higher risk of side effects in people with certain UGT1A1 genetic forms•Kidney problems•Lung problems•Severe allergic reaction•Harm to an unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Severely low white blood cell count (neutropenia)•Severe diarrhea•Lung damage•Severe allergic reaction•Harm to an unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Irinotecan vs. Onivyde
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.