Rinotec Injection 5 ml belongs to the group of medications called anti-cancer medicines or cytostatics. It consists of the active ingredient Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate. It is indicated for advanced colon cancer and rectal cancer in adults. It is prescribed alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer in the colon and rectum is prevalent in age groups above 50 and is further triggered by genetic and environmental factors.  

Myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression leading to low levels of RBC, WBC, and platelets in the blood) and diarrhea are the most common adverse effects of this medication. Other common side effects of Rinotec Injection 5 ml are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, pain, fatigue, fever, infections including sepsis, abnormal bilirubin levels, hair loss, and weight loss. Inform your doctor if these side effects disturb or persist in you.  

Inform your physician if you are allergic to Rinotec Injection 5 ml and its ingredients. Before starting treatment, let your physician know if you have liver problems or jaundice, kidney and heart problems, asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or severe diarrhea. If you are smoking or have ever received radiation therapy, report to your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider if you take other medicines, herbs, and supplements. Effective contraception (birth control) by males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy. Your physician will perform blood tests during and before treatment to check for the effects of the medicine on blood counts or blood chemistry.

Treatment of metastatic cancer of the colon and rectum (large intestine).

Rinotec Injection 5 ml works by converting its active metabolite with the help of liver enzymes and inhibits the Topoisomerase I enzyme. This causes damage to the DNA synthesis and its replication, thus preventing the cancer cells from growing and spreading.

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare professional administers it into your vein. Do not self-administer. Your physician will recommend a DNA test before taking this medicine. The dose depends on your age, size, and medical condition.

Early and late diarrhea

Allergic reactions

Kidney impairment

Lung problems

Low levels of RBC, WBC, and platelets in the blood

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Constipation

Diarrhea

Anemia

Pain

Fatigue

Fever, infections including sepsis

Abnormal bilirubin levels

Hair loss

Weight loss

Inform your doctor about any prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or have taken before the treatment. Certain medications tend to interact with Rinotec Injection 5 ml and can cause potential side effects.

Do not freeze.

Store protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Keep this medicine away from the sight and reach of children.

Diarrhea is the first sign of Rinotec Injection 5 ml. It may be serious if diarrhea starts more than 24 hours after administration of this medication. It should be treated immediately and kept under close supervision. If left untreated, it could lead to dehydration and serious chemical imbalances, which can be life-threatening. Try to avoid laxatives and stool softeners while taking this medicine. Drink large amounts of water and rehydration fluids immediately. Take antidiarrheal treatment like loperamide.