Irinotecan injection is given together with other medicines (for example, 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin) to treat patients with metastatic cancer (cancer that has already spread) of the colon or rectum. This medication is also given to patients with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum who have received fluorouracil but the disease has progressed or recurred.

Irinotecan belongs to a group of medicines also called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It intermeddles with the growth of cancer cells, which are ultimately destroyed. Since the growth of normal cells might also be affected by the medicine, other effects might also happen.

Some of these might be severe and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, such as hair loss, may not be severe but may cause concern. Some effects might happen after treatment with irinotecan has been stopped. Be sure that you have discussed with your doctor the possible side effects of this medicine as well as the benefits it could do.

This medication should only be administered by or under the supervision of a doctor.

The product is available in the following dosing forms:

1. Solution