Product image of Irinotecan Sun (Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate) supplied by GNH India

Irinotecan Sun

Active Ingredient:
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate
Origin:
EU

Irinotecan Sun (Irinotecan Hydrochloride Trihydrate)

Irinotecan, the active ingredient in Irinotecan Sun, is a topoisomerase I inhibitor presented as an injectable formulation for intravenous use. It is employed in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and as adjuvant therapy for colon cancer in adult patients, interfering with DNA replication to induce tumor cell death under oncology specialist supervision.

GNH India supplies Irinotecan Sun as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving oncology centres, hospitals, cancer treatment facilities and pharmacy networks worldwide.

Manufacturer / TM Owner

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Europe B.V.

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Indications & Clinical Uses

Irinotecan is used in oncology to treat cancers that involve the colorectal pathway.

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer: reduces tumor growth and extends survival in patients with advanced disease.
  • Adjuvant treatment of colon cancer: helps eradicate microscopic disease after surgical resection to lower recurrence risk.

How It Works

  • Irinotecan is converted intracellularly to its active metabolite SN‑38, which binds to the DNA‑topoisomerase I complex and prevents the re‑ligation step during DNA replication. This inhibition leads to accumulation of DNA breaks, triggering apoptosis and cell death in rapidly dividing tumor cells.

Side Effects

Irinotecan may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea: often severe and may require supportive care.
  • Nausea and vomiting: typical chemotherapy‑related symptoms.
  • Neutropenia: decreased white blood cells increasing infection risk.
  • Fatigue: general tiredness affecting daily activities.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

  • Febrile neutropenia: fever with low neutrophil count, a medical emergency.
  • Severe colitis or intestinal perforation: life‑threatening bowel complications.
  • Allergic reactions: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.
  • Hepatic toxicity: elevated liver enzymes indicating liver injury.

Precautions & Warnings

Prior to initiating Irinotecan therapy, clinicians should observe several safety measures.

  • Baseline blood counts: assess neutrophil and platelet levels before each cycle.
  • Liver function monitoring: evaluate transaminases and bilirubin regularly.
  • Bowel obstruction assessment: screen for pre‑existing gastrointestinal blockage.
  • Dose adjustment in renal impairment: modify regimen based on creatinine clearance.
  • Concomitant UGT1A1 genotype testing: consider reduced dosing for patients with deficient metabolism.
  • Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze.

Avoid Interactions

Irinotecan can interact with other medicines, influencing its efficacy and safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may markedly lower drug exposure.
  • UGT1A1 inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir): increase risk of severe neutropenia and diarrhea.
  • Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, scopolamine): heighten risk of ileus and bowel complications.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

  • Antiemetics such as ondansetron: may affect serotonin pathways and require dose adjustment.
  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk due to potential platelet suppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irinotecan Sun is an intravenous chemotherapy agent indicated for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and as adjuvant therapy following surgical resection of colon cancer. It is prescribed by oncologists to help control tumor growth and reduce the risk of disease recurrence.

After infusion, Irinotecan is metabolized to SN‑38, which binds to the DNA‑topoisomerase I complex. This binding prevents the enzyme from resealing DNA strands during replication, causing DNA breaks that trigger apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

The dosing regimen for Irinotecan Sun is individualized by the treating physician based on factors such as cancer type, patient weight, performance status, and laboratory values. Only a qualified prescriber can determine the appropriate dose and schedule.

Safety data for Irinotecan in pregnancy and lactation are limited. It is generally contraindicated during pregnancy because of potential fetal harm, and breastfeeding is not recommended while receiving treatment, as the drug may be excreted in milk.

To place an order, submit an enquiry on the Irinotecan Sun product page at gnhindia.com, specifying the required quantity. GNH India works with hospitals, pharmacies, and procurement teams worldwide, verifies trade or institutional credentials, and then provides pricing, availability, shipping details (including cold‑chain if needed), and import documentation.

Irinotecan belongs to the topoisomerase I inhibitor class, offering a different mechanism from fluoropyrimidines or oxaliplatin. It is often used in combination regimens (e.g., FOLFIRI) and provides benefit in patients who have progressed on other agents, though its toxicity profile, especially diarrhea and neutropenia, requires careful monitoring.

Irinotecan Sun should be stored at 2‑8 °C in a refrigerator, protected from light, and never frozen. Vials must be kept in their original packaging until use, and any prepared infusion should be administered promptly according to aseptic technique.

Irinotecan Sun is given as an intravenous infusion, typically over 30 to 90 minutes depending on the protocol. The infusion is performed in a clinical setting by qualified healthcare professionals, with pre‑medication and monitoring for infusion‑related reactions as required.

The most serious adverse events include severe neutropenia with fever (febrile neutropenia), life‑threatening diarrhea that can lead to dehydration or colitis, and rare but critical allergic reactions. Prompt recognition and supportive care are essential to mitigate these risks.

Irinotecan Sun is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Irinotecan or its excipients, those with active severe infections, uncontrolled bowel obstruction, or significant hepatic impairment. Caution is also advised for patients with deficient UGT1A1 activity, as they may experience heightened toxicity.

Published by

GNH India Pharmaceuticals Limited

Licensed pharmaceutical supplier

Last updated:

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