Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion EFG
Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate
The name of the medicine is “Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion”, but in the rest of the package leaflet it will be referred to as “Irinotecan Accord”.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Contents of the pack:
Irinotecan belongs to a group of medicines called cytostatics (cancer medicines). Irinotecan Accord is used for the treatment of advanced cancer of the colon and rectum in adults, both alone and in combination with other medicines. Irinotecan Accord is an anticancer medicine that contains the active substance irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate. Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Your doctor may use a combination of irinotecan with 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid (5-FU/FA)and bevacizumabto treat your colorectal cancer (colon or rectal cancer).Your doctor may use a combination of irinotecan with capecitabinewith or without bevacizumabto treat colon and rectal cancer.Your doctor may use a combination of irinotecan with cetuximabto treat a particular type of colorectal cancer (wild-type RAS)that expresses a protein called EGFR.
Do not use Irinotecan Accord if
If you receive Irinotecan Accord in combination with other medicines, please make sure to also read the package leaflet of the other medicines regarding additional contraindications.
Warnings and precautions
Special caution is needed in elderly patients.
As irinotecan is a cancer medicine, it should be administered in a specialized unit and under the supervision of a qualified doctor experienced in the use of cancer medicines. The staff of the unit will explain the precautions you should take during and after treatment. This package leaflet helps you to remember them.
Before starting treatment with Irinotecan Accord, talk to your doctor if any of the following applies to you: • You have liver problems • You have kidney problems • You have asthma • You have ever received radiotherapy • You have had severe diarrhea or fever after being treated with irinotecan previously
During administration of Irinotecan Accord (30-90 minutes) and immediately after administration, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
Acute cholinergic syndrome
This medicine may affect the part of your nervous system that controls body secretions, leading to what is known as cholinergic syndrome. Symptoms may include runny nose, increased saliva, excessive tearing, sweating, flushing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, as there are medicines that can help control them.
During this period, you may experience various symptoms that can be severe and require immediate treatment and close monitoring.
Diarrhea
If you suffer from diarrhea after the first 24 hours after administration of irinotecan ("late diarrhea"), it could be severe. It often appears 5 days after administration. Diarrhea should be treated immediately and kept under close supervision. If left untreated, it can lead to dehydration and severe chemical imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Your doctor will prescribe a medicine to help prevent or control this side effect. Make sure you have the medicine readily available at home when you need it. Immediately after the first liquid stool, do the following:
You must contact your doctor or the unit that is supervising your treatment immediately if:
Note:Only take the medicine for diarrhea that your doctor has prescribed and the fluids described above. Follow your doctor's instructions. Anti-diarrheal treatment should not be used to prevent future episodes of diarrhea, even if you have had late diarrhea in previous cycles.
Fever
If your temperature rises above 38°C, it may be a sign of infection, especially if you have also had diarrhea. If you get a fever (above 38°C), contact your doctor or the unit where you are being treated immediately so that they can give you the necessary treatment.
Nausea and vomiting
If you suffer from nausea and/or vomiting, contact your doctor or the hospital unit immediately. It is possible that your doctor will give you medicines before your treatment to help prevent nausea and vomiting. It is likely that your doctor will prescribe anti-nausea medicines that you can take at home. Have these medicines ready at home when you need them. Inform your doctor if you cannot take fluids by mouth due to nausea and vomiting.
Neutropenia
Irinotecan can cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in your blood (neutropenia), which are important in fighting infections. Neutropenia is often seen during treatment with irinotecan and is reversible. Your doctor should perform regular blood tests to check these white blood cells. Neutropenia is severe and should be treated immediately and closely monitored. Make sure to inform your doctor or nurse immediately if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever (38°C or higher), chills, pain when urinating, new cough, or sputum. Avoid being near people who are sick or have an infection. Inform your doctor if you develop symptoms of an infection.
Blood tests
It is likely that your doctor will perform blood tests before and during your treatment to check if there are any effects of the medicine on blood cell counts or blood chemistry test results. Based on the test results, you may need medicines to help treat the effects. It is possible that your doctor may also need to reduce or delay your next dose of this medicine or even stop treatment altogether. Keep all your appointments for medical visits and laboratory tests.
This medicine may decrease the number of platelets in the weeks following its use, which can increase the risk of bleeding. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine or supplement that may affect your body's ability to stop bleeding, such as aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin, warfarin, or vitamin E. Inform your doctor immediately if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, or black and tarry stools.
Pulmonary disorders
Rarely, people being treated with this medicine have severe pulmonary problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you have a new or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. Your doctor may need to stop treatment to treat this problem.
This medicine may increase the risk of having serious blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs, which can travel to other parts of the body such as the lungs or brain. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg.
Chronic intestinal inflammation and/or intestinal obstruction
Inform your doctor if you have abdominal pain and cannot move your bowels, especially if you also have bloating and loss of appetite.
Radiation therapy
If you have recently received pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy, you may be at greater risk of developing bone marrow suppression. Please talk to your doctor before starting treatment with irinotecan.
Kidney function
There have been cases of worsening kidney function.
Cardiac disorders
Inform your doctor if you have or have had heart disease or if you have previously received anticancer medicines. Your doctor will monitor you closely and discuss with you how to reduce the risk factors (e.g., smoking, high blood pressure, and high fat content).
Vascular disorders
Irinotecan is rarely associated with alterations in blood flow (blood clots in the legs and lungs) and may rarely occur in patients with multiple risk factors.
Liver failure
Before starting treatment with Irinotecan and before each cycle, liver function (through blood tests) should be monitored.
Others
This medicine may cause mouth sores or sores on the lips, often within the first few weeks after starting treatment. This can cause mouth pain, bleeding, or even problems eating. Your doctor or nurse may suggest ways to reduce this, such as changing the way you eat or brush your teeth. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help soothe the pain.
To obtain information on contraception and breast-feeding, see the information provided below in the section Contraception, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and fertility.
Inform your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with this medicine if you are planning to undergo surgery or any other procedure.
If this medicine is used in combination with other anticancer medicines for your condition, make sure you also read the package leaflets of the other medicines.
If your doctor has informed you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
Other medicines and irinotecanInform your doctor if you are using or have recently used other medicines, including those bought without a prescription. This includes herbal medicines, vitamins, and minerals.
Inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before you are given Irinotecan Accord if you are already receiving or have recently received chemotherapy (and radiotherapy).
If you need an operation, inform your doctor or anesthetist that you are being treated with irinotecan, as it may affect the action of some medicines used during surgery.
Do not start or stop taking medicines while being treated with irinotecan without talking to your doctor first.
This medicine can cause severe diarrhea. Try to avoid laxatives and stool softeners while taking this medicine.
There may be more medicines that interact with irinotecan. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about your other medicines, herbs, and supplements, and whether alcohol can cause problems with this medicine.
Contraception, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and fertilityContraception
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you must use an effective contraceptive method during and up to 6 months after stopping treatment.
As a man, you must use an effective contraceptive method during and up to 3 months after finishing treatment. It is important to consult with your doctor what types of contraceptives can be used with this medicine.
Pregnancy
This medicine may cause problems with the fetus if taken at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Before starting treatment, your doctor will make sure you are not pregnant.
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Irinotecan and its metabolite were detected in human milk.
Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with irinotecan. Ask your doctor before taking any medicine.
Fertility
No studies have been conducted; however, this medicine may affect fertility. Before using this medicine, talk to your doctor about the possible risk with this medicine and the options that may preserve your ability to have children.
Driving and using machines
In some cases, irinotecan may cause side effects that affect your ability to drive and use tools and machines. Contact your doctor if you are not sure.
During the first 24 hours after administration of irinotecan, you may feel dizzy or have visual disturbances. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Irinotecan AccordThis medicine contains 45 mg of sorbitol in each ml. Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If you (or your child) have hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder, you must not receive this medicine. Patients with HFI cannot break down fructose, which can cause serious side effects.
Consult your doctor before receiving this medicine if you (or your child) have HFI or cannot take sweet foods or drinks because they cause unpleasant effects such as bloating, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per dose; i.e., it is essentially "sodium-free".
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor if you are not sure.
Irinotecan will be administered to you by healthcare professionals.
Your doctor may recommend a DNA test before the first dose of irinotecan.
Some people are genetically more prone to having certain side effects with this medicine.
You may be given other medicines to prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects while you are receiving irinotecan. You may need to keep using these medicines for at least one day after the infusion of irinotecan.
Tell your caregivers if you feel burning, pain, or swelling around the intravenous needle when you are given irinotecan. If the medicine leaks out of the vein, it can cause damage to the injection site. If you experience pain or notice redness or swelling at the IV injection site while you are being given irinotecan, alert your healthcare professional immediately.
This medicine will be given to you as an infusion into your veins over a period of 30-90 minutes. The amount of infusion to be given will depend on your age, weight, and general health. It will also depend on any other treatment you may have received for your cancer. Your doctor will calculate your body surface area in square meters (m2).
Your doctor will adjust these doses depending on your condition and any side effects you may have.
If you receive more Irinotecan Accord than you should
It is unlikely that you will be given too much Irinotecan Accord. However, if this happens, you may have serious blood disorders and diarrhea. You should have close supportive care to prevent dehydration due to diarrhea and to treat infectious complications. You should talk to the doctor who administers the medicine.
If you miss a dose of Irinotecan Accord
It is very important to receive all scheduled doses. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Your doctor will inform you of the possible side effects and explain the risks and benefits of your treatment. Some of these side effects should be treated immediately.
See also information in the section “Warnings and precautions”
If you experience any of the following side effects after receiving the medicine, tell your doctor immediately. If you are not in the hospital, YOU MUST GO immediately.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
Unknown (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
If you receive irinotecan in combination with cetuximab, some of the side effects you may experience may also be related to this combination. These side effects may include a skin rash similar to acne. Therefore, make sure to also read the cetuximab package insert. If you receive irinotecan in combination with capecitabine, some of the side effects you may experience may also be related to this combination. These side effects may include: very frequently blood clots, frequently allergic reactions, heart attacks, and fever in patients with a low white blood cell count. Therefore, make sure to also read the capecitabine package insert. If you receive irinotecan in combination with capecitabineand bevacizumab, some of the side effects you may experience may also be related to this combination. Such side effects include: low white blood cell count, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Therefore, make sure to also read the capecitabine and bevacizumab package inserts. If any of the side effects you suffer from is severe or if you notice any side effect not mentioned in this package insert, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if it is possible that they are not listed in this package insert. You can also report side effects directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: www.notificaram.es.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not freeze.
For single use.
This medicine does not require special temperature storage conditions. Keep this medicine in the original package to protect it from light.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the package after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of the month indicated.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
Composition of Irinotecan Accord
Product Appearance and Container Content
Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion is a pale yellow transparent solution.
Container sizes: 2 ml, 5 ml, 15 ml, 25 ml, 50 ml. Not all container sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder
Accord Healthcare S.L.U.
World Trade Center
Moll de Barcelona, s/n
Edifici Est, 6ª planta
08039 Barcelona
Manufacturer
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp.z o.o.,
ul. Lutomierska 50,
95-200 Pabianice, Poland
or
Accord Healthcare single member S.A.
64th Km National Road Athens, Lamia, 32009,
Greece
This medicinal product is authorized in the following EEA Member States:
Country | Medicinal Product Name |
Austria | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Konzentrat zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung |
Belgium | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentraat voor oplossing voor infusie |
Bulgaria | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Cyprus | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Czech Republic | Irinotecan Accordpharma 20 mg/ml koncentrát pro infuzní roztok |
Germany | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Konzentrat zur Herstellung einer Infusionslösung |
Denmark | Irinotecan Accord |
Estonia | Irinotecan Accord |
Greece | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Finland | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Infuusiokonsentraatti, liuosta varten |
Croatia | Irinotekan Accord 20 mg/ml koncentrat za otopinu za infuziju |
Hungary | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml koncentrátum oldatos infúzióhoz |
Ireland | Irinotecan Hydrochloride 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Iceland | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml, innrennslisþykkni, lausn |
Italy | Irinotecan Accord |
Latvia | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml koncentrats infuziju šķiduma pagatavošanai |
Lithuania | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml koncentratas infuziniam tirpalui |
Malta | Irinotecan Hydrochloride 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Poland | Irinotecan Accord |
Netherlands | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentraat voor oplossing voor infusie |
Norway | Irinotecan Accord |
Portugal | Irinotecano Accord |
Romania | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentrat pentru solutie perfuzabila |
Slovakia | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml infúzny koncentrát |
Slovenia | Irinotekan Accord 20 mg/ml koncentrat za raztopino za infundiranje |
Sweden | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml, koncentrat till infusionsvätska, lösning |
United Kingdom | Irinotecan Hydrochloride 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion |
Spain | Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml concentrado para solución para perfusión EFG |
France | IRINOTECAN ACCORD 20 mg/ml, Solution à diluer pour perfusion |
Date of the Last Revision of this Leaflet:October 2023
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), (http://www.aemps.gob.es/).
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Irinotecan Accord 20 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Infusion EFG
This information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
Instructions for Use – Cytotoxic
Handling of Irinotecan Accord
As with other antineoplastic agents, Irinotecan Accord should be handled with caution. Dilution should be performed under aseptic conditions, by qualified personnel, and in a designated area. Precautions should be taken to avoid skin and mucous membrane contact.
Protection Instructions for the Preparation of the Infusion Solution of Irinotecan:
Preparation of the Infusion Solution
Irinotecan Accord concentrate for solution for infusion is only for intravenous infusion after prior dilution in the recommended diluents, sodium chloride 0.9% infusion solution or glucose 5% infusion solution. The required amount of irinotecan concentrate for infusion should be aseptically withdrawn from the vial with a calibrated syringe and injected into a 250 ml infusion bag or bottle. The infusion solution should be thoroughly mixed by manual rotation.
After opening, the product should be diluted and used immediately.
The irinotecan solution is physically and chemically stable in sodium chloride 0.9% (w/v) and glucose 5% (w/v) infusion solutions for up to 28 days when stored in low-density polyethylene or PVC containers at 5°C or 25°C and protected from light. When exposed to light, the physical-chemical stability is 3 days. From a microbiological point of view, the diluted solution should be used immediately. If not used immediately, the storage times and conditions before use are the responsibility of the user and normally should not exceed 24 hours between 2 and 8°C, unless the reconstitution/dilution (etc.) has been performed under controlled and validated aseptic conditions.
If any precipitate is observed in the vials or after reconstitution, the product should be discarded according to the usual procedures for the elimination of cytotoxic agents.
Irinotecan Accord should not be administered as an intravenous bolus or intravenous infusion with a duration of less than 30 minutes or more than 90 minutes.
Elimination
All materials used for the preparation, administration, or that come into contact with irinotecan should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations for the handling of cytotoxic compounds.