Irinotecan Fresenius Kabi

Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate, the active ingredient in Irinotecan Fresenius Kabi, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor presented as an injection solution for intravenous infusion use. It is indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and other solid tumours as determined by an oncologist, and may be employed in adjuvant therapy following surgical resection of colon cancer.

GNH USA supplies Irinotecan Fresenius Kabi as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving oncology centres, hospitals and specialty pharmacies worldwide, with distribution aligned to EU regulatory standards.

Irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor used in chemotherapy regimens for colorectal and other solid tumours.

Metastatic colorectal cancer: improves overall survival when combined with fluoropyrimidine‑based chemotherapy. Adjuvant therapy for colon cancer: reduces risk of disease recurrence after curative surgery. Other solid tumours (as determined by oncologist): may be incorporated into combination regimens for selected cancers.

Irinotecan may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: - Neutropenia: decreased white blood cell count increasing infection risk. - Diarrhoea: acute onset often within the first two weeks of treatment. - Nausea and vomiting: gastrointestinal upset common during infusion. - Alopecia: hair loss may occur during therapy.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Severe neutropenia with fever (febrile neutropenia): life‑threatening infection risk. - Severe diarrhoea (colitis) leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. - Hypersensitivity reactions: anaphylaxis or severe skin rash.

When using Irinotecan, clinicians should observe specific safety measures to minimise risks.

Assess baseline blood counts: obtain complete blood count before each cycle. Monitor liver function: Irinotecan is metabolised hepatically, adjust for impairment. Genotype UGT1A1 when possible: reduced activity increases SN‑38 exposure. Avoid concurrent myelosuppressive agents unless necessary: may exacerbate bone‑marrow toxicity. Educate patients on early signs of diarrhoea and neutropenia: prompt medical attention required. Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Irinotecan interacts with several drugs that can alter its efficacy or toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): markedly reduce SN‑38 formation and therapeutic effect. - UGT1A1 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir): increase SN‑38 levels, raising risk of severe neutropenia and diarrhoea. - Concurrent myelosuppressive chemotherapy (e.g., cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin): additive bone‑marrow suppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, scopolamine): may worsen irinotecan‑induced diarrhoea. - Warfarin: potential alteration of anticoagulant effect, monitor INR. - Radiation therapy to abdomen/pelvis: may increase gastrointestinal toxicity.