Campto 40mg Injection

About

Campto 40mg Injection, containing Irinotecan, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor used in the treatment of various advanced cancers. It works by interfering with DNA replication, causing DNA damage and ultimately leading to the death of rapidly dividing cancer cells. This mechanism makes it effective against tumors that are resistant to other forms of chemotherapy, playing a vital role in combination regimens for metastatic disease.

Irinotecan's active metabolite, SN-38, is responsible for its cytotoxic effects. Due to its potent action, careful management of side effects, particularly severe diarrhea and myelosuppression, is crucial. It is a cornerstone in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and is also used in other solid tumors.

Uses

• Treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (first-line or second-line)
• Treatment of pancreatic cancer (in combination regimens)
• Treatment of gastric cancer (off-label or specific regimens)
• Treatment of small cell lung cancer (off-label)

Directions For Use

Campto 40mg Injection is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional. Dosage and schedule are determined by the patient's body surface area and specific cancer protocol.

Benefits

• Effective against metastatic colorectal cancer
• Can be used as monotherapy or in combination
• Improves survival in advanced disease
• Active against tumors resistant to other agents
• Established role in oncology treatment guidelines
• Helps control disease progression

Side Effects

• Severe diarrhea (early and late onset)
• Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Cholinergic syndrome (rhinitis, lacrimation, salivation, sweating, flushing, bradycardia)
• Fever
• Stomatitis
• Anorexia
• Dehydration

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects, particularly diarrhea, and potentially interact with the medication.
• Pregnancy - Contraindicated in pregnancy due to significant risk of fetal harm. Effective contraception is essential during and after treatment.
• Breastfeeding - Not recommended during breastfeeding as the drug may pass into breast milk and harm the infant.
• Liver - Use with extreme caution in patients with elevated bilirubin or significant hepatic impairment; dose adjustments are crucial.
• Kidney - Use with caution in patients with pre-existing kidney impairment; monitor renal function closely.
• Lung - Rare cases of interstitial lung disease have been reported; monitor for new or worsening respiratory symptoms.

Disclaimer

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