irinotecan

Late diarrhea can also happen more than 24 hours after the irinotecan (Camptosar) infusion. It can be life-threatening because the diarrhea can last a long time. It can lead to dehydration, low electrolyte levels, and gut and kidney problems. Usually, late diarrhea starts around 11 days after the infusion.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Tell your treatment team if you have any diarrhea at any time while taking irinotecan (Camptosar). Call them if your diarrhea starts interfering with your ability to eat and drink as usual. And it’s even more important to call if you have black or bloody stools. Also tell them if you have signs of dehydration like feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faint. These can be signs of severe diarrhea and serious problems from it.

Your treatment team can suggest what to do for diarrhea depending on when it happens and how severe it is. If you have early diarrhea or stomach cramps, the treatment team can give you a medication called atropine to help. For late diarrhea, you’ll probably take loperamide (Imodium A-D) for relief. For severe diarrhea that causes dehydration, you might need to go to the hospital for intravenous fluids or electrolytes. Your oncologist will also decide if you need to take a break from or stop irinotecan (Camptosar).

In addition, having low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) can be very serious. It can make you more likely to have dangerous fevers and get infections. Severe neutropenia can also lead to sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Watch for signs of infection like fever, chills, weakness, and body aches. Get urgent care if you have a fever or think you have an infection. You might need antibiotics to treat infections.

Before each irinotecan (Camptosar) infusion, you’ll need a blood test done to check your blood cell counts. Your oncologist will make sure your white blood cells are at a safe enough level to get the medication. If your white blood cell count is too low, your oncologist will delay your infusion. They might also adjust your dose for your next infusions.

These side effects include a higher risk of severe diarrhea. You're also more likely to have very low white blood cell counts, which can put you at risk of life-threatening infections.

Talk to your oncologist if you need UGT1A1 genetic testing. If you’ve had this testing done, share your results with your treatment team. They can adjust your irinotecan (Camptosar) dose to help keep you safe. They’ll also follow up with you more often about side effects.

It’s a good idea to stay well hydrated to lower the risk of kidney problems. Let your care team know if you vomit too much or have a lot of diarrhea while taking irinotecan (Camptosar).

Tell your oncologist about all your health problems, the treatments you’ve had, and the medications you take. Some things can make you more likely to have lung damage. If you’re at risk, your care team will check for symptoms of lung problems more often while you’re taking irinotecan (Camptosar).

Tell your care team right away if you have a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or fever. Your oncologist will probably have you stop taking irinotecan (Camptosar) while they check your lungs.

If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, get medical help right away. They’ll pause the treatment and evaluate your symptoms. If the reaction is very severe, your care team will change your treatment plan.

If you’re able to become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking irinotecan (Camptosar). Keep using birth control for 6 months after your last dose. If you’re male and can father a child, use condoms while taking this medication and for 3 months after your last dose. Tell your care team right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.