CPT-11
CPT-11 belongs to a general group of chemotherapy drugs known as topoisomerase
inhibitors.
CPT-11 is used to treat
- cancer of the colon or rectum.
Possible side effects of CPT-11
Increased sweating and production of saliva. Some people have sweating
and increased salivation, watery eyes, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea during the
chemotherapy infusion. These symptoms can usually be prevented or controlled by simple
medication given before the chemotherapy.
Diarrhoea. While diarrhoea may occasionally occur during the
chemotherapy, it happens more commonly as a delayed side effect a few days after your
first injection. This can usually be easily controlled but can occasionally be severe. If
you get diarrhoea and abdominal cramps start taking the anti-diarrhoea medicine (usually
loperamide (Imodium tablets or capsules) you have been given. These should be taken
exactly as you have been instructed by the hospital treating you, which may be different
from the instructions provided on any printed leaflets provided by the manufacturer.
Normally your doctor will tell you to take two tablets or capsules to start with and
then one every two hours until you have not had a loose bowel movement for 12 hours. If
loperamide does not work quickly (certainly if you still have diarrhoea after 48 hours) it
is important that you contact the hospital.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If you do feel sick
it may begin a few hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a day. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other
anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective.
Loss of appetite. This is also usually mild and may last a day or so.
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of
infection. The number of blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from a few days
after the treatment has been given and usually reaches its lowest point in the second week
after the chemotherapy. The number of blood cells will then increase steadily and will
usually return to normal within 21 days. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how
well your bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
CPT-11, although it may happen earlier. Hair may be lost completely. You may also have
thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This is temporary and the
hair will grow again once the treatment is finished.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects of CPT-11
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore, or you may
notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Muscle cramps. Tell your doctor if you have muscle cramps, so that
suitable painkillers can be prescribed.
Temporary effect on liver function. CPT-11 may cause changes in the
way that your liver works, which return to normal when the treatment is finished. You are
very unlikely to notice any problems but your doctor will check your liver function before
each treatment.
Skin changes. CPT-11 can cause a rash which may be itchy. Your doctor
can prescribe medicines to help with this. |