IRILIEVA 100 mg contains Irinotecan Hydrochloride, a topoisomerase I inhibitor anticancer drug. It works by preventing DNA replication in rapidly dividing cancer cells, leading to cell death.

Irinotecan is commonly used in the treatment of:

1. Metastatic colorectal cancer (alone or with 5-FU & leucovorin – FOLFIRI regimen)

2. Advanced colon cancer

3. Gastric cancer (off-label)

4. Pancreatic cancer (combination regimens)

5. Small cell lung cancer (selected cases)

Common side effects:

•  Diarrhea (early & late onset)

•  Nausea and vomiting

•  Hair loss (alopecia)

•  Fatigue

•  Abdominal pain

Hematological:

•  Neutropenia

•  Anemia

•  Thrombocytopenia

Serious side effects:

•  Severe delayed diarrhea (life-threatening)

•  Febrile neutropenia

•  Dehydration

•  Cholinergic syndrome (sweating, cramping, salivation)

Dosage depends on regimen and patient condition.

Common dose:

•  180 mg/m² IV infusion

•  Every 2 weeks (FOLFIRI)

Alternative:

•  125 mg/m² IV

•  Weekly × 4, then 2-week rest

 Infuse over 90 minutes


NOTE: This medicine should be taken only under a doctor’s supervision.