Irinotecan HCl Injectable
Irinotecan hydrochloride (HCl) injectable, also known by the brand name Camptosar®, is a chemotherapy drug classified as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It's used to treat several types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer and small-cell lung cancer.
Giving your pet an injection might feel intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes routine. Follow these steps for safe and stress-free injections.
Get Your Supplies Ready
- Medication vial or pre-filled syringe
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile syringe & needle (if not pre-filled)
- Sharps container for safe needle disposal
Drawing Up the Dose (if needed)
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol swab
- Attach needle to syringe
- Pull in air equal to the dose
- Insert needle into vial, push air in
- Draw out the correct dose
- Tap out air bubbles
Pick the Injection Site
- Subcutaneous (under the skin): Loose skin between shoulder blades or side
- Intramuscular (into muscle): As directed by your vet
Prep the Area
- Pinch a fold of skin to form a “tent” (for subcutaneous). Wipe with alcohol if recommended.
Inject the Medication
- Hold the syringe like a pencil
- Insert the needle into the base of the skin tent at a 45° angle
- Push the plunger slowly to inject
After the Injection
- Remove the needle smoothly
- Place it immediately in the sharps container (don’t recap)
- Pat the area and give your pet praise or a treat
Safety Tips
- Never reuse needles
- Always dispose of used needles properly
- Ask your vet for help if unsure
The uses and pharmacology described below reflect the FDA-approved labeling for this active ingredient; your veterinarian determines whether and how they apply to your animal's treatment plan.
Irinotecan hydrochloride is a topoisomerase I inhibitor utilized in veterinary medicine for its antineoplastic properties. It is a prescription medication available for use in dogs and cats, requiring professional administration and monitoring by a licensed veterinarian. It is frequently considered in the context of oncology for patients presented with specific types of solid tumors or colorectal challenges.
Prescription only. Use only under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. This information is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, prescribing or monitoring. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
At a pharmacological level, it manages cell division by preventing the re-ligation of DNA strands, leading to double-strand DNA breaks and cell death. Commonly observed effects include localized digestive changes such as severe diarrhea or vomiting and behavioral shifts like lethargy. Because it influences cell production, your veterinarian will monitor for observational signs of bone marrow suppression through frequent blood tests. Owners should monitor for any unusual weakness or pale gums and contact their veterinarian promptly with any concerns.
Yes. Irinotecan is a prescription medication and requires a valid authorization from a licensed veterinarian. Mixlab verifies all professional requirements before preparing any medication.
Irinotecan is typically dispensed in its commercial injectable format for clinical use. If your veterinarian determines that a customized concentration or different formulation is necessary, Mixlab can discuss specialized options based on a valid prescription.
Veterinarians discuss irinotecan because it can influence gastrointestinal motility and the mucosal lining. This provides a method for managing your pet's comfort and hydration during the course of management.
Because irinotecan is a chemotherapy agent, your veterinarian will follow specific safety protocols during administration. If you are handling any waste from your pet at home, wearing gloves is a method for preventing accidental exposure.
Your veterinarian will recommend frequent blood work, including a complete blood count (CBC) and liver enzymes. This monitoring ensures the management approach remains safe for your pet's health status.
