Irinotecan vs. Onivyde for Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Irinotecan

(Camptosar)

Onivyde

(liposomal irinotecan)

Summary for Irinotecan

Prescription only

Irinotecan (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.

Indications for Irinotecan

Metastatic colon cancer
- As first-choice therapy, together with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin injection
- As a next-choice option when 5-fluorouracil-based therapy no longer works

Pros and Cons for Irinotecan

Pros

Recommended treatment for many cancers, including colon and pancreatic cancer
Doesn’t cause cold sensitivity or nerve problems

Cons

Given as an infusion through the vein
Often causes diarrhea and hair loss

Common Side Effects for Irinotecan

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%)

Warnings for Irinotecan

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 baby

Summary for Onivyde

Prescription only

Onivyde (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 for Onivyde

Metastatic pancreatic cancer
- As first-choice treatment, with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin injection
- As next-choice treatment, with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin, after trying gemcitabine-based treatment

Pros and Cons for Onivyde

Pros

Recommended treatment option for pancreatic cancer
Usually given once every 2 weeks

Cons

Can cause diarrhea, fatigue, and low blood cell counts
Must be given with other chemotherapy medications

Common Side Effects for Onivyde

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 for Onivyde

Severely low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
Severe diarrhea
Lung damage
Severe allergic reaction
Harm to an unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Irinotecan vs. Onivyde

Irinotecan2 vials / 2ml of 20mg/ml

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Onivyde6 vials / 10ml of 4.3mg/ml

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Irinotecan vs. Onivyde

Irinotecan

Onivyde

Summary for Irinotecan

Indications for Irinotecan

Pros and Cons for Irinotecan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Irinotecan

Warnings for Irinotecan

Summary for Onivyde

Indications for Onivyde

Pros and Cons for Onivyde

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Onivyde

Warnings for Onivyde

Prices with our coupons for Irinotecan vs. Onivyde

Browse medications by letter

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Irinotecan

Onivyde

Summary for Irinotecan

Indications for Irinotecan

Pros and Cons for Irinotecan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Irinotecan

Warnings for Irinotecan

Summary for Onivyde

Indications for Onivyde

Pros and Cons for Onivyde

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Onivyde

Warnings for Onivyde