Indications
Irotecan Injection is used as part of first-line treatment, in combination with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Leucovorin (LV), for patients with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. It is also used for patients with metastatic colon or rectal cancer whose disease has come back or worsened after initial Fluorouracil-based treatment.
⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.
Pharmacology
Irinotecan belongs to a family of anti-cancer compounds derived from camptothecin. These agents work by targeting topoisomerase I, an enzyme that normally relieves tension in the DNA strand by creating small, temporary breaks in it that are then resealed. Irinotecan, along with its active byproduct SN-38, attaches itself to the topoisomerase I-DNA complex and blocks this resealing process, leaving the breaks unrepaired.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy Category D. Irinotecan can cause fetal harm if given to a pregnant woman. In animal studies, radioactivity was detected in rat milk within 5 minutes of an intravenous dose of radiolabeled Irinotecan, reaching levels up to 65 times higher than plasma concentrations by 4 hours after dosing. Whether this drug passes into human breast milk is not known.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Dosage Reference
⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.
Side Effects & Interactions
Side Effects
No side-effect data recorded yet.