MedicinehospitalEssential

Irinotecan

A chemotherapy infusion used for metastatic bowel (colorectal) cancer.

Clinical information

Common uses

metastatic colorectal cancer, first-line with 5-FU and leucovorin
colorectal cancer that returned after fluorouracil treatment

Common side effects

diarrhoea
feeling or being sick
low blood counts
hair loss
tiredness and loss of appetite

Cautions

late diarrhoea can be life-threatening — treat promptly
severe bone marrow suppression can occur
certain gene types (UGT1A1) risk severe neutropenia
lung inflammation reported

Interactions

strong CYP3A4 inducers (do not use together)
strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (do not use together)

Pregnancy: avoid — can harm an unborn baby

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, irinotecan hydrochloride label, setid d04f2471-3085-4fc8-a657-bb3918d48e6e (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations3

Brand name	Dosage form	Strength	Importer	Category
Irinotecan	Parenteral ( Injection )	100mg	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Irinotecan	Parenteral ( Injection )	40mg	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital
Irinotecan	Injection	500mg/25mL in 25mL	MFDA designated importers with Pre Authorization approval before import	hospital