Camptosar is the trade name of a prescription drug containing irinotecan as the active component. It is indicated for first-line treatment in combination with other cancer drugs in chemotherapy to treat certain cancers and may be used at the discretion of the doctor for other beneficial purposes. It is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and is available as a single dose injectable in pack sizes of 2ml and 5ml.
Active ingredient
Irinotecan is derived from camptothecin, a chemical in the body that interacts with certain enzymes in the body to cause single DNA strand breakage and prevents the binding of these strands. As a result of these changes, the infected cells are unable to repair themselves; hence, interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Conditions treated
Cancer (metastatic carcinoma) of the colon in combination with other drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin.
Irinotecan Dosage
Use your medication as directed by your healthcare professional. If you are not sure of how to, please check with your doctor. It is recommended to take your daily dose at about the same time every day.
The recommended IV dose is 125mg/m2 to be administered as a single infusion over 90 minutes, once every week for 4 weeks followed by a resting period of 2 weeks. Alternatively, a dose of 350mg/m2 can be administered once every 3 weeks.
This dose can be modified depending on the individual`s health condition
Camptosar side effects
Camptosar may exhibit some side effects, which include, but are not limited to the list below. Report any new experience or feeling occurring after the use of Camptosar.
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Anorexia
Abdominal pain
Mucositis
Fever
Thrombocytopenia
Neutropenia
Abnormal Bilirubin
Alopecia
Weight loss
Contraindications
The use of Camptosar is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant since it may lead to adverse birth defects. It is also contraindicated for nursing mothers.
Camptosar is not recommended to patients using a laxative or a stool softener.
It is not recommended to patients who are allergic to these drugs or any of its chemical components.
This drug is not recommended to those who have just received vaccination or being in close proximity to someone that has. This is because the attenuated viruses received via injection or through infection may attack your body due to a weakened immune system.
Precautions
It is important to tell your physician if you have taken any immunization before the use of Camptosar or been in close proximity with an individual that has received immunization.
Your physician should be made aware of any usage of laxative or stool softener of any kind before prescribing irinotecan.
Pregnant women or women planning on being pregnant should inform their physician, as it is not advisable to take dosage of Camptosar during pregnancy.
Any known allergic reactions to Camptosar or its components should be reported immediately to your physician before usage.
Ask your doctor about other possible precautions and warnings, as the list above may not be all the warnings and precautions when using Camptosar.
Drug interactions
Taking Camptosar with certain drugs can either potentiate their effects in the body or nullify them.
Carboplatin
Avastin
Docusate
Emend
Folic acid
Gabapentin
Hydrochlorothiazide
Leucovorin
Lisinopril
Metformin
Oxycontin
Protonix
Storage
Store away from direct sunlight and heat.
Store at room temperature.
Do not store in a humid place (bathroom).
Keep in a closed vial and only remove it during time of use.
