The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Infection
- Rash
- Mouth sores
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Low blood pressure
Note: Side effects and percentages were reported in people taking [[EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin.
Irinotecan serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Any diarrhea, but especially severe diarrhea: diarrhea that doesn’t go away, having 4 or more bowel movements than usual per day, dehydration (feeling dizzy or lightheaded)
- Low blood cell counts: unusual bleeding or bruising, tiredness, fever, chills
- Lung problems: having trouble catching your breath, fever, new cough, worsening cough, wheezing
- Serious allergic reactions: swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; trouble breathing or swallowing; rash; itching
Source: DailyMed
The following Irinotecan side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
black, tarry stools
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
changes in skin color
chest pain or discomfort
chest tightness or heaviness
chills
clay colored stools
cold hands and feet
confusion
constricted pupils
cough or hoarseness
dark urine
diarrhea with or without stomach cramps or sweating
dizziness
fainting
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
full or bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach
headache
increased production of saliva
increased tear production
itching or skin rash
lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
loss of appetite
low blood pressure or pulse
lower back or side pain
nausea or vomiting
numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness or swelling of the leg
severe headache of sudden onset
slow breathing
slurred speech
stomach pain
stopping of the heart
sudden and severe weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body
sudden loss of coordination
sudden vision changes
sweating
swelling
swelling of the abdomen or stomach area
temporary blindness
tenderness, pain, or swelling of the arm, foot, or leg
troubled breathing
trouble with speaking or walking
ulcers, sores, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
unconsciousness
unpleasant breath odor
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of blood
warm, red feeling over the body
yellow eyes or skin
Less common
Bleeding gums
coughing up blood
decreased urination
difficulty with swallowing
dryness of the mouth
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
increased thirst
nosebleeds
paralysis
prolonged bleeding from cuts
wrinkled skin
Rare
Decreased amount of urine
decreased frequency of urination
fast, irregular, or troubled breathing
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach pain and tenderness
agitation
bloated or full feeling
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
coma
heartburn or indigestion
hostility
irritability
lethargy
muscle pain and cramps
muscle twitching
pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
rectal bleeding
severe abdominal or stomach cramping or burning
severe and continuing nausea
stupor
swelling of the face, lower legs, ankles, fingers, or hands
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
blistering, peeling, redness, or swelling of the palms of hands or bottoms of the feet
cracked lips
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
numbness, pain, tingling, or unusual sensations in the palms of the hands or bottoms of feet
passing gas
right upper abdominal or stomach pain and fullness
sensation of spinning
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
trouble sleeping
Incidence not known
Hiccups
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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