Campto 100mg Injection

1. Product Introduction

Campto 100mg Injection is a potent anticancer medication that contains the active ingredient Irinotecan, which belongs to the class of drugs known as topoisomerase I inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of various forms of cancer, most notably colorectal cancer. Campto works by disrupting the replication of cancer cells, thereby slowing or stopping their growth and division.

Administered through intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional, Campto is a part of chemotherapy regimens either alone or in combination with other drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. It is generally used when other cancer therapies have failed or as part of a first-line treatment in metastatic cases.

Campto 100mg Injection is a prescription-only medication and must be given under the supervision of an experienced oncologist in a clinical or hospital setting, where close monitoring is possible due to potential side effects.

2. Uses of This Medicine

Campto 100mg Injection (Irinotecan) is primarily used for the treatment of:

• Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: It is commonly used in patients whose cancer has spread beyond the colon and rectum. It may be given alone or combined with other agents as part of a chemotherapy protocol (such as FOLFIRI).

• Advanced or Recurrent Colorectal Cancer: Often used when other chemotherapy agents have not provided the desired results.

• Off-label Uses: In some cases, Irinotecan is also used in other cancers such as:

  • Small cell lung cancer

  • Pancreatic cancer

  • Cervical cancer

  • Gastric cancer

Usage in these indications should be based on a doctor’s assessment and in line with treatment guidelines or clinical trial results.

3. Benefits of This Medicine

Campto 100mg Injection offers several significant benefits in cancer therapy:

• Proven Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer: Clinical studies have demonstrated that Irinotecan improves survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer when used alone or in combination therapies.

• Slows Cancer Progression: By inhibiting DNA replication in cancer cells, it helps in slowing tumor growth and delaying disease progression.

• Combination-Friendly: Campto is compatible with other chemotherapeutic drugs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment when used in combination protocols like FOLFIRI.

• Helps When First-Line Therapies Fail: Campto is often effective in patients who did not respond to earlier treatments, offering another line of defense against aggressive cancer types.

• Intravenous Administration: Ensures precise dosing under medical supervision, improving the chances of controlled drug action and management of side effects.

4. Side Effects

Like all chemotherapy drugs, Campto 100mg Injection can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some side effects can be managed with supportive care or dosage adjustments.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea: This is the most frequent side effect and can be severe. It is classified into early-onset (occurring during infusion) and late-onset (occurring several hours to days later).

• Nausea and vomiting

• Hair loss (alopecia)

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue and weakness

• Mouth sores (mucositis)

• Low blood cell counts: Including anemia, neutropenia (low white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe dehydration due to diarrhea

• Fever or signs of infection (especially during periods of low white blood cell count)

• Liver function changes

• Severe allergic reactions (rare)

• Breathing difficulties (rare)

Patients must be closely monitored during and after administration. If any unusual or serious symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Campto 100mg Injection used for?
A: Campto is used to treat advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. It may also be prescribed off-label for other cancers such as lung, gastric, or cervical cancer depending on clinical judgment.

Q2. How is Campto 100mg Injection administered?
A: It is given via intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic setting by trained healthcare professionals. The dosage and schedule depend on the treatment protocol and patient’s health status.

Q3. What should I do if I experience severe diarrhea after the injection?
A: Contact your doctor immediately. Severe diarrhea is a known side effect and can lead to dehydration. Your doctor may prescribe medications like loperamide to manage it effectively.

Q4. Can Campto be taken during pregnancy?
A: No. Irinotecan can harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose, as advised by the doctor.

Q5. Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Campto?
A: While there are no strict dietary restrictions, it is advisable to avoid raw foods and maintain good hygiene to prevent infections due to low immunity. Stay hydrated and eat small, nutritious meals to manage side effects.

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