Irinotecan Kabi

Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate, the active ingredient in Irinotecan Kabi, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor presented as a solution for injection for intravenous use. It treats metastatic colorectal cancer and other solid tumours as part of combination chemotherapy regimens.

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

Irinotecan is employed in oncology for cancers that are treated with topoisomerase I‑targeted chemotherapy.

- Metastatic colorectal cancer: used in combination regimens to improve progression‑free and overall survival. - Other solid tumours: incorporated into multi‑agent chemotherapy protocols for disease control. - Advanced colorectal cancer after first‑line failure: administered to achieve tumour response in later‑line therapy.

Irinotecan may cause a range of adverse reactions that vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects: - Diarrhoea: often delayed and may be severe. - Neutropenia: reduced white blood cell count increasing infection risk. - Nausea and vomiting: typical chemotherapy‑related symptoms. - Fatigue: generalized tiredness during treatment cycles. - Alopecia: hair loss that may be temporary. - Abdominal pain: discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Febrile neutropenia: fever with low neutrophil count requiring urgent care. - Severe diarrhoea (colitis): can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. - Hepatic toxicity: elevated liver enzymes or jaundice. - Allergic reactions: rash, bronchospasm or anaphylaxis. - Secondary malignancies: rare risk of therapy‑related cancers. - Severe mucositis: painful inflammation of the mouth and gastrointestinal lining.

Prior to initiating Irinotecan therapy, several safety considerations should be addressed.

- Monitor blood counts: perform regular complete blood counts to detect neutropenia. - Assess liver function: evaluate hepatic enzymes and bilirubin before each cycle. - Evaluate bowel status: avoid use in patients with recent bowel obstruction or perforation. - Dose adjustment: consider reduced dosing in patients with hepatic impairment. - Hypersensitivity: discontinue if signs of an allergic reaction appear. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Irinotecan interacts with several drugs that may alter its efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may reduce SN‑38 exposure. - UGT1A1 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir): can increase SN‑38 levels and toxicity. - Concurrent myelosuppressive agents: heighten risk of severe neutropenia.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Antiemetics such as ondansetron: may affect SN‑38 metabolism. - Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk. - NSAIDs: may exacerbate gastrointestinal toxicity. - Proton pump inhibitors: potential impact on drug absorption and metabolism.