Uses of Irinotecan Liposome

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1. What are the uses of Irinotecan Liposome?

With the mechanism of action by blocking the action of an enzyme in cells called topoisomerase I - is an enzyme necessary for cell multiplication and the growth of tumors.
Cells need this enzyme to keep the cell's DNA in the proper shape when dividing, blocking this enzyme causes the cell's DNA to break down, cancer cells can't multiply and eventually die ie, Irinotecan inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

2. What is the dose of Irinotecan?

Irinotecan Liposome is administered intravenously. Dosage is based on the height and weight of the patient.
Before using Irinotecan Liposome, the patient will be treated with corticosteroids, antiemetics or antidiarrheals. Irinotecan should not be used alone, but in combination with other chemotherapy drugs
Blood levels can be affected by certain foods and other drugs such as grapefruit, grapefruit juice, carbamazepine, ketoconazole, rifampin ,.. so these foods and drugs should be avoided for 1-2 weeks before treatment with Irinotecan.
Regardless of when supplementing or using a drug or supplement, inform your doctor in advance.

3. Some side effects when using Irinotecan Liposome

3.1. Diarrhea This is one of the most common side effects of using Irinotecan Liposome and it can be dangerous for the patient as it can lead to severe dehydration.
Patient may urinate several times a day, in some conditions can lead to severe dehydration if not replenished with water and electrolytes in time
Symptoms such as runny nose, increased salivation, Facial watering, sweating, and cramps may be associated with diarrhea. This diarrhea may persist for 10-12 days after treatment.
3.2. Decreased white blood cell count Increases the risk of infection and infection in the background of patients with low resistance because they are undergoing cancer treatment. When fever (over 38 degrees Celsius), fatigue, sore throat, cold, slow healing wounds, please contact your doctor immediately. Always keep the body and the surrounding environment clean. Avoid contact with infectious sources, or people who are showing symptoms of flu, cough, fever 3.3. Decreased red blood cells When the number of red blood cells decreases, the body will feel tired, short of breath and weaker because the oxygen supply for cell activities in the body has decreased. In cases where the red blood cell count drops too deeply, an immediate red blood cell transfusion may be indicated
3.4. Decreased platelet count As a very important factor in blood clotting, platelets play a role in limiting the risk of prolonged bleeding. If there are symptoms such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine or in the stool, please notify the treating doctor for timely examination and treatment
Limit sports and easy activities cause injury or bleeding Do not use drugs such as aspirin, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, celebrex, aleve, ... without a doctor's prescription For cases where the platelet count is too low, Platelet transfusion may be necessary before continuing treatment with Irinotecan Liposome 3.5. Fatigue This is a very common symptom during cancer treatment with chemotherapy drugs, fatigue even at rest. For some people, this symptom can persist even after stopping the drug
Some gentle activities can be combined such as walking to help reduce fatigue, always schedule activities during the day to be sure. Make sure your body isn't overworked.
3.6. Nutrition is very important for cancer patients, the treatment process can affect appetite leading to decreased appetite or loss of appetite.
Always have suitable and flexible menus so that the patient can eat easily and be provided with adequate nutrients Break down daily meals, can use 5-6 meals a day including 3 main meals and 2 -3 snacks Use a combination of complementary foods if the diet is not nutritious, before supplementing with functional foods, you should consult a doctor. Avoid foods with strong odors or unpleasant odors that easily cause illness People feel nauseous or vomit and do not want to eat. It is possible to change the way of preparing food every day, increasing the taste by using more natural spices such as rosemary, basil,... 3.7. Oral Ulcers During treatment with Irinotecan may cause symptoms such as sores or pain in the mouth or throat, affecting the patient's speaking, eating or swallowing.
Daily oral care with a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab twice a day to ensure oral hygiene, limit ulcers Gargle with salt water or mouthwash, drink enough water every day to limit dry mouth Avoid smoking or using alcoholic beverages, fruit juices containing acid such as oranges, tangerines,... 3.8. Uncommon but important side effects for cancer patients Allergic reactions: Some patients may be allergic to Irinotecan, symptoms may include: shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of the face or eyelids, rash, drop in blood pressure. Lung disease: Irinotecan can cause interstitial lung disease, which is scarring and hardening of the lungs. The drug can cause birth defects, so it is not recommended to become pregnant while either parent is being treated with Irinotecan. , after drug treatment is at least 1 month for women and 4 months for men. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine or for 1 month after the last dose. Irinotecan Liposome is available by prescription and under the supervision of a physician. Notify your doctor as soon as you have any unusual symptoms during the course of taking the drug, the article hopes to have provided you with useful information about the drug Irinotecan Liposome.

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Reference source: oncolink.org