Irinotecan (Systemic)

Brand Names : Camptosar, CPT-11

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Anxiety; black, tarry stools; blood in urine or stools; blurred vision; changes in skin color; chest pain or discomfort; chest tightness or heaviness; chills; clay colored stools; cold hands and feet; confusion; constricted pupils; cough or hoarseness; diarrhea with or without stomach cramps or sweating; dark urine; dizziness; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; full or bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach; headache; increased production of saliva; increased tear production; itching; lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; loss of appetite; lower back or side pain; nausea or vomiting; no blood pressure or pulse; no breathing; numbness or tingling in face, arms, legs; pain; painful or difficult urination; pain in chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs; pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck; pale skin; pinpoint red spots on skin; redness or swelling of leg; runny nose; seizures; severe headache of sudden onset; shortness of breath or troubled breathing; skin rash; slurred speech; sore throat; stomach pain; stopping of heart; sudden and severe weakness in arm and/or leg on one side of the body; sudden loss of coordination; sudden vision changes; sweating; swelling; swelling of abdominal or stomach area; temporary blindness; tenderness, pain, or swelling of arm, foot, or leg; trouble speaking or walking; ulcers, sores, or white spots on lips or in mouth; unconsciousness; unpleasant breath odor; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting of blood; warm, red feeling over body; yellow eyes or skin

Less common

Bleeding gums; coughing up blood; decreased urination; difficulty in swallowing; dryness of mouth; increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding; increased thirst; nosebleeds; paralysis; prolonged bleeding from cuts; sneezing; wheezing; wrinkled skin

Rare

Decreased amount of urine; decreased frequency of urination; fast, irregular, or troubled breathing; hives; increased blood pressure; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; weight gain

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Accidental injury; acid or sour stomach; belching; blistering, peeling, redness, and/or swelling of palms of hands or bottoms of feet; bloated, full feeling; constipation; cracked lips; difficulty in swallowing; excess air or gas in stomach or intestines; fainting; feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings; heartburn; indigestion; numbness, pain, tingling, or unusual sensations in palms of hands or bottoms of feet; passing gas; right upper abdominal pain and fullness; sensation of spinning; skin rash; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; sleeplessness; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain; trouble sleeping; unable to sleep; weight loss

The side effects listed above may occur, or continue to occur, after treatment with irinotecan has ended. Check with your doctor if you notice any of them after you stop receiving the medicine.

Irinotecan may also cause a temporary loss of hair in some people. After treatment with irinotecan has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Irinotecan sometimes causes flushing of the face. This effect is harmless and does not need medical treatment.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.