What are the most common side effects of irinotecan?
Irinotecan is a chemotherapeutic drug that is administered intravenously to treat patients with rectal cancer or metastatic colon carcinoma. There are many possible side effects of irinotecan and patients should discuss them thoroughly with their doctors before using the drug. In addition to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, other common side effects of irinotecan may include dizziness and vision problems. There may also be other complications such as the suppressed immune system and changes in the number of blood cells. Some of these side effects can be alleviated by other drugs.
Two of the most common side effects of irinotecan are nausea and vomiting. This usually occurs on the day of intravenous treatment and also in the next few days. Patients who have serious nausea and vomiting should take drugs against nausea before and after chemotherapy, as their doctors acquired. They should also call their doctors if they can't keep the liquids down in da matter of severe nausea. Patients should take loperamide or other breakthrough remedy as soon as they first notice free stools. If the problem persists in the next 24 hours, the doctor should be warned. Heavy diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which may be life -threatening.
Other common side effects of irinotecan are bleeding into the mouth, along with mouth and lip ulcers. Patients most often notice these effects during the first few weeks of treatment. Perhaps they will have to use a very soft toothbrush and brush their teeth in another way to reduce pain and bleeding. The doctor may also prescribe painkillers for heavy ulcers in the mouth.
problems with dizziness and vision often occur during the first 24 hours after dose. Patients may have to drive someone else by this time. Cholinergic syndrome that concerns unusualChanges in body secretion. Patients should contact their physicians immediately if they experience unusual flushing, sweating and cold, as well as tearing the eyes and increased saliva production. Some drugs can help alleviate the symptoms of cholinergic syndrome.
In addition to these common side effects of irinotecan, many patients experience complications as a suppressed immune system. This is because Irinotecan can reduce the number of white blood cells of the patient and may lead to a higher occurrence of infections. Patients should see their doctors if they experience fever, chills and painful urination, as well as any other symptoms of colds or flu. The doctor will also probably recommend getting immunization because this can lead to infection.
Many chemotherapeutic drugs, including irinotecan, often cause hair thinning or hair loss. Chemotherapyists also often complain about abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite. Slightly less common side effects of irinotecan may include insomnia, constipation and burningHearts. Cough, dyspnea and skin rash were also reported. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should always inform their doctors about any new side effects.