Irigon
Generic Name
Irinotecan
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| irigon 15 solution | ৳ 70.80 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Irigon is a cytotoxic chemotherapy drug containing Irinotecan, used in the treatment of various cancers, primarily metastatic colorectal cancer. It works by interfering with DNA replication.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 125-350 mg/m² every 1-3 weeks, depending on the regimen and patient tolerability. Dosing should be individualized and adjusted based on toxicity.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment for elderly patients based on age alone, but may require closer monitoring due to reduced physiological reserve.
Renal_impairment
Limited data; cautious use recommended. Dose reduction may be necessary in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Administer intravenously as an infusion over 30-90 minutes. Dilute the concentrate in 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, before infusion.
Mechanism of Action
Irinotecan and its active metabolite, SN-38, inhibit topoisomerase I, an enzyme essential for DNA replication. This inhibition leads to DNA single-strand and double-strand breaks, ultimately resulting in cell death.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Rapidly distributed after intravenous administration.
Excretion
Mainly through bile and feces (approximately 80%), with a smaller portion excreted renally (less than 20%).
Half life
Irinotecan: approximately 6-12 hours; SN-38 (active metabolite): approximately 10-20 hours.
Absorption
Administered intravenously, resulting in 100% systemic bioavailability.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic, converted to the active metabolite SN-38 by carboxylesterases. SN-38 is then extensively metabolized by UGT1A1 via glucuronidation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Severe myelosuppression
- •Chronic inflammatory bowel disease or bowel obstruction
- •Severe liver impairment (bilirubin > 3 times ULN)
- •Known hypersensitivity to Irinotecan or its excipients
- •Pregnancy and lactation
Drug Interactions
Laxatives
May exacerbate diarrhea; avoid during Irinotecan treatment.
Corticosteroids
May increase the risk of severe diarrhea in combination.
UGT1A1 inhibitors (e.g., Atazanavir)
May increase SN-38 levels, increasing toxicity.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Phenytoin, Rifampin)
May decrease exposure to Irinotecan and SN-38, potentially reducing efficacy. Avoid concomitant use.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Atazanavir)
May increase exposure to Irinotecan and SN-38, leading to increased toxicity. Avoid concomitant use or reduce Irinotecan dose.
Storage
Store unopened vials at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C), protected from light. Do not freeze. Diluted solutions should be stored according to product guidelines, usually refrigerated.
Overdose
Overdose symptoms may include exaggerated myelosuppression and severe diarrhea. Management is supportive, including blood product transfusions for myelosuppression and antidiarrheals for diarrhea. Close monitoring of vital signs and laboratory parameters is crucial.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Irinotecan is teratogenic and can cause fetal harm. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 7 months after the last dose. It is unknown if Irinotecan or its metabolites are excreted in human milk; due to potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment and for 1 month after the last dose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years, refer to product labeling for exact duration. Once diluted, stability is usually 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours refrigerated.
Availability
Hospitals, specialized oncology pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by FDA, EMA, DGDA
Patent Status
Generic available, original patent expired
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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