Camptosar
Generic Name:
Irinotecan hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Camptosar, CPT-11
Camptosar Description:
Camptosar belongs to a class of antineoplastic or anticancer agents known as topoisomerase I inhibitors. Camptosar is manufactured by Pharmacia and Upjohn Inc., a research-based pharmaceutical company.
The active ingredient in this injection is irinotecan hydrochloride. Camptosar is available in two vials, a 2mL vial containing 40mg of irinotecan hydrochloride and a 5mL vial containing 100mg of irinotecan hydrochloride.
Camptosar treats patients with cancers of the colon or rectum.
Camptosar Uses:
Camptosar is used as a first-line therapy for patients battling metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. This medication is used alone or in conjunction with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. Irinotecan, the active ingredient in Camptosar, can hinder the growth of cancer cells. Camptosar can also be used for patients whose metastatic colorectal cancer has recurred or progressed after the initial treatment with fluorouracil.
Camptosar Interactions:
Certain anticancer agents can aggravate the adverse reactions of Camptosar.
Patients with a history of previous pelvic-abdominal irradiation are more likely to develop immunosuppression as a result of treatment with Camptosar. Camptosar is not recommended for the patients who are receiving radiation treatment.
Taking dexamethasone along with this medication can increase the risk for lymphocytopenia. The concurrent use of these two medications can also cause hyperglycemia.
Patients may show the signs of akathisia if they are given prochlorperazine along with Camptosar. Akathisia is a movement disorder characterized by the tendency to move constantly.
Laxative medications can worsen the situation of diarrhea if they are given along with Camptosar.
A doctor may advise patients to discontinue the use of diuretics due to the possibility of dehydration.
Camptosar Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Camptosar must be given intravenously for 90 minutes. The administration of Camptosar should be followed by the dose of leucovorin. The dose of 5-fluorouracil must be given immediately following the dose of leucovorin. Patients have to receive these doses weekly or once every three weeks. Doses of these medications are determined by a physician on the basis of patient’s tolerance to the medications.
Missing a Dose
Camptosar should be given by an experienced medical practitioner and a missed dose is very unlikely.
Overdosing
The major symptoms associated with overdose on this medication are neutropenia and diarrhea. Other symptoms of overdose include:
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Cough
- Infection
This medication has no antidote to treat overdose. Patients must be given supportive therapy for dehydration caused by diarrhea.
Camptosar FDA Approval:
June 14, 1996
Camptosar Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There are no recalls for this medication.
Camptosar carries the following Black Box Warnings:
Proper Administration
Only a well-qualified and experienced physician can administer Camptosar to patients in a proper medical facility.
Myleosuppression and Diarrhea
Camptosar can cause myleosuppression and diarrhea. Patients can get experience early and late diarrhea, and should seek immediate medical intervention for diarrhea as it can become fatal. Early diarrhea starts shortly after the administration of this medication.
Early diarrhea and its related symptoms can be treated with atropine. Late diarrhea usually occurs 24 hours after the administration of Camptosar. It can be fatal due to the associated sepsis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Patients should be given fluid and electrolyte replacement for dehydration.
Loperamide can be given to the patients for late diarrhea. Patients must be monitored very carefully for the development of acute neutropenia, fever, or ileus. Treatment with Camptosar should be discontinued in case of severe diarrhea.
Patients should be informed of risks for fatal gastrointestinal and vascular adverse reactions. The major cause for death during the treatment with this medication is diarrhea and neutropenia followed by sepsis. Deaths due to fatal vascular events have also been reported following use of this medication.
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