Camptosar

What is Camptosar

Camptosar is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Camptosar interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Camptosar is used in the treatment of cancers of the colon and rectum.

Camptosar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Camptosar

Camptosar should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Camptosar including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); severe diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Camptosar.

What you should find out before taking Camptosar

Do not use Camptosar without first talking to your doctor if you have
- liver disease;
- inflammatory bowel disease;
- had radiation treatment to the abdominal or pelvic area;
- poor bone marrow function; or
- elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood or Gilbert's syndrome.

The use of Camptosar may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Camptosar is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that Camptosar is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Camptosar without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with Camptosar if necessary.

It is not known whether Camptosar passes into breast milk. Do not take Camptosar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Camptosar.

How should you use Camptosar

Camptosar should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Camptosar depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Camptosar to monitor progress and side effects.

Medications to reduce or prevent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be prescribed by your doctor for use during treatment with Camptosar. Loperamide (Imodium, Imotil, Kaopectate Caplet, Maalox Anti-Diarrheal, Pepto Diarrhea Control, and others) should be kept readily available to begin treatment for late diarrhea (generally occurring more than 24 hours after administration of Camptosar) at the first episode of poorly formed or loose stools or the earliest onset of bowel movements more frequent than normally expected for the patient.

Skin accidentally exposed to Camptosar should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Your healthcare provider will store Camptosar as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Camptosar at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

If you miss a dose:

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Camptosar.

What happens if you overdose:

If for any reason an overdose of Camptosar is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a Camptosar overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should you avoid while using Camptosar

Avoid the use of laxatives during treatment with Camptosar.

Camptosar can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Camptosar. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.

Skin accidentally exposed to Camptosar should be rinsed thoroughly with soap and warm water.

Possible side effects of Camptosar

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from Camptosar, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; or fever, chills, or signs of infection);
- tissue or vein reactions near the site of administration;
- symptoms of dehydration, such as fainting, lightheadedness, or dizziness;
- rectal bleeding or blood in the stool;
- little or no urine production;
- late diarrhea (diarrhea beginning more than 24 hours after receiving Camptosar), incontinence or severe cramping.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Camptosar and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- early diarrhea (diarrhea beginning during or shortly after administration of Camptosar);
- nausea or vomiting;
- runny nose, increased amount of saliva, eye tearing, contraction of the pupils of the eyes, sweating, flushing, and abdominal cramping ; or
- temporary hair loss.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Camptosar.

What other drugs will affect Camptosar

Before using Camptosar, tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic medication (water pill), for high blood pressure or other reason. You may not be able to take Camptosar, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a diuretic.