Irinotecan Actavis

Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate, the active ingredient in Irinotecan Actavis, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor presented as an injection solution for intravenous use. It treats metastatic colorectal cancer and is used as adjuvant therapy for colon cancer in adult patients.

GNH USA supplies Irinotecan Actavis as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres and pharmacies worldwide.

Irinotecan is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and related disease stages.

Metastatic colorectal cancer: improves overall survival and disease control in patients with advanced disease. Adjuvant treatment of colon cancer: reduces the risk of recurrence after surgical resection. Advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma (combination therapy): forms part of multi‑drug regimens such as FOLFIRI to manage disease progression.

Irinotecan may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe. Monitoring and supportive care are essential during treatment.

Common Side Effects: - Diarrhea: may be early or delayed and can be severe. - Neutropenia: reduced white blood cell count increasing infection risk. - Nausea and vomiting: often managed with anti‑emetics. - Fatigue: generalized tiredness during therapy. - Abdominal pain: discomfort in the stomach area. - Alopecia: hair loss in some patients.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Febrile neutropenia: fever with low neutrophil count requiring urgent care. - Severe colitis: intense inflammation of the colon leading to dehydration. - Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis in rare cases. - Hepatic toxicity: elevated liver enzymes indicating liver stress. - Electrolyte imbalance: especially low potassium or magnesium levels.

Before initiating irinotecan therapy, clinicians should assess patient-specific risk factors and implement appropriate monitoring. - Blood count monitoring: perform complete blood counts before each cycle to detect neutropenia. - Liver function assessment: evaluate hepatic enzymes as irinotecan metabolism is liver‑dependent. - Pregnancy risk: avoid use in pregnancy (Category D) and counsel women of childbearing potential. - Dose adjustment: consider reduced dosing in patients with hepatic impairment. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Irinotecan interacts with several drug classes that can alter its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): may increase SN‑38 exposure and toxicity. - UGT1A1 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir): can raise SN‑38 levels, heightening risk of neutropenia and diarrhea. - Concurrent myelosuppressive agents: additive bone‑marrow suppression may be dangerous.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): may reduce irinotecan effectiveness. - Anticoagulants such as warfarin: monitor INR as irinotecan can affect coagulation parameters.