Irinotecan (from the ovca board)

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mom2greatkids
mom2greatkids Member Posts: 528
in Colorectal Cancer #1

Hi,

 

I am coming over from the ovca board.  I am currently on irinotecan (3 weeks on 1 week off).  This is my 9th drug.  This is also the first time I have eperienced loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.  

Have any of you tried this drug? (I know it's most commonly used for colon cancer).  Any suggestions for dealing with these side effects?

Thanks,

Carla

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  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    #2
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    Welcome, Carla

    Its good (in an ungood kind of way) to have to join us from another forum.

    I know many people here who have been on the same chemo, and will help you with your. 

    I was on FOLFOX & 5FU so it all I can do is welcome you and wish you the best. 

    Sue - Trubrit

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #3
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    Irinotecan

    I had Irinotecan, but did not have the nausea , vomiting or loss of appetite.  BUT, for other chemo's I was given EMEND as an infusion during chemo infusions, then given a prescription for two EMEND pills (one for day after infusion and then day after that).  I discovered I didn't need the Emend, many others have and it works well to prevent their nausea and vomiting.  

    As for loss of appetite, marijuana works qUite well in stimulating appetite, if you can't go to th nearest medical marijuana store and pick up a truffle or cookie or two, then thy do have a pill form of it that is aavailable even in states that marijuana isn't legal.

    I hope your nausea and loss of appetite end soon.  Irinotecan was a very good chemo for shrinking my tumors at the time I was given it and got my surgery when they had shrunk enough.

    Winter Marie

  • fatbob2010
    fatbob2010 Member Posts: 467 Member
    #4
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    FOLFIRI

    Hello,

    I did not have the vomiting but did experience nausea and loss of appetite like you mentioned.   Compazine for nausea was very helpful.  For me the biggest side effect was fatigue and melancholy.  Can't say that the chemo caused all of that but it did not help any.

    Regards, Art

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