Irinotraz 40 Mg Injection 1

Irinotraz Injection is an anti-cancer medication. It contains irinotecan as the active substance. Irinotraz Injection is used to treat advanced or metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum.

This medicine is used in combination with other medicines. Irinotraz Injection works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. This medicine will be given to you by your doctor or nurse.

Do not self-inject it. Before starting Irinotraz Injection, inform your doctor if you are pregnant/breastfeeding and about your complete medical history.

Dosage

Overdose

Irinotraz Injection will be given to you by a doctor or nurse, and hence, the chances of an overdose are unlikely.

Missed a Dose

It is unlikely that a dose of Irinotraz Injection will be missed if you are monitored in a healthcare setup. However, if you have missed taking a dose of the injection, inform the doctor or nurse immediately.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Irinotraz Injection prevents the action of a chemical called DNA topoisomerase I. This causes certain changes in the DNA (genetic material) resulting in problems in DNA synthesis which is responsible for the anti-cancer effects.

Directions for Use

• Irinotraz Injection will be given by your doctor or nurse.
• Do not self-inject this medicine. Follow any aftercare instructions given by the doctor or nurse.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Irinotraz 40 Mg Injection 1 during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the effect of Irinotraz Injection during pregnancy. This medicine should not be used in pregnant women unless recommended by the doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Irinotraz 40 Mg Injection 1 while breastfeeding?

No information is available if Irinotraz Injection passes into human breast milk. Thus, this medicine should not be used in breastfeeding women.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Irinotraz 40 Mg Injection 1?

Irinotraz Injection may cause dizziness and visual disturbances. If you experience any such effects after taking this medicine that may affect your ability to drive safely, it is advised to avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Irinotraz 40 Mg Injection 1?

There is limited information available on the interaction of alcohol with Irinotraz Injection. Ask your doctor for advice on alcohol intake along with this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have Gilbert’s syndrome, an inherited condition that can cause increased bilirubin levels
• and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
• You experience diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours, or if you get lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.
• You develop any signs of infection, such as fever (38°C or higher), chills, pain when passing urine, a new cough, or bringing up sputum after using this medicine.
• You are taking medicines such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines, warfarin, or vitamin E.
• You are unable to take fluids by mouth due to nausea and vomiting.
• You develop symptoms of an acute cholinergic syndrome like runny nose, increased saliva, excess tears in the eyes, sweating, flushing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea.
• You develop a new or worsening cough, trouble breathing, and fever after using this medicine.
• You notice chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg.
• You have pain in your belly and you cannot move your bowels, especially if you also have bloating and loss of appetite.
• You recently received treatment with pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy.
• You have kidney or heart disorders.
• You experience sores in the mouth, mouth pain, bleeding, or even trouble eating.
• You are planning to have surgery or any procedure.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to irinotecan or any of the other ingredients of Irinotraz Injection.
• If you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and/or blockage of the bowel.
• If you are a breastfeeding woman.
• If your bilirubin level is higher than 3 times the upper limit of the normal range.
• If you have severe bone marrow failure.
• If you have a poor physical condition (WHO performance status higher than 2).
• If you are taking or have recently taken St John’s wort (a herbal medicine).
• If you are going to take or have recently taken live attenuated vaccines (vaccines against yellow fever, chicken pox, shingles, measles, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, rotavirus, influenza) and during the 6 months after stopping the chemotherapy.

Side effects

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Irinotraz Injection works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Particular care should be taken if you are taking medicines used to treat fits/seizures (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and fosphenytoin), medicines used to treat fungal infections (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole), medicines used to treat bacterial infections (clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin), medicines used to treat tuberculosis (rifampicin and rifabutin), St. John's Wort (a herbal medicine), live attenuated vaccines, medicines used to treat HIV (indinavir, atazanavir, and others), medicines used to suppress your body’s immune system to prevent transplant rejection (cyclosporine and tacrolimus), medicines used to treat cancer (regorafenib, crizotinib, idelalisib, cetuximab, and apalutamide), vitamin K antagonists (blood thinners like warfarin), medicines used to relax muscles used during general anaesthesia and surgery (suxamethonium), 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid, and bevacizumab (a blood vessel growth inhibitor).
• Avoid taking laxatives and stool softeners while taking Irinotraz Injection.

Storage and disposal

• Store Irinotraz Injection in a cool and dry place. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Irinotraz Injection used for?

Irinotraz Injection is used to treat advanced or metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum.

Can Irinotraz Injection be used in pregnancy?

There is limited information on the effect of Irinotraz Injection during pregnancy. This medicine should not be used in pregnant women unless recommended by the doctor.