Trade name

Onivyde^®

What Onivyde^® is and what it is used for?

• Onivyde^® is irinotecan covered in tiny spheres called liposomes. These spheres keep irinotecan in the bloodstream longer and help irinotecan get through the dense stroma of the pancreatic tumor, thus significantly enhancing the efficacy of irinotecan in tumor tissue.
• Onivyde^® is used in combination with other medicines to treat patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of body.

How Onivyde^® is given?

• Onivyde^® is given as an infusion into a vein over 90 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Onivyde^®?

• Do not use this drug when you are pregnant. Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4months and 1 month after the treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 1 months after treatment has ended.
• It is not known if Onivyde^® may affect fertility. You can discuss fertility issues with your doctor before treatment starts.
• There are many drugs may affect how Onivyde^® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• You will have regular blood tests to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive Onivyde^®. The timing and dosing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Onivyde^®. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have liver problems, kidney problems, lung or breathing problems, or bowel disorders.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.

Common side effects of Onivyde^®

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Diarrhea (Early onset)

Early diarrhea may occur shortly after an infusion within 24 hours. It is thought to be part of a cholinergic syndrome. It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as watery eyes, running nose, sweating, flushing, stomach cramping, excessive mouthwatering, or slow heartbeat. Your doctor will prescribe you a drug called atropine to prevent it happening.

• Diarrhea (Late onset)

Late diarrhea may occur more than one day after an infusion. Patients with severe diarrhea may lead to some life-threatening problems like dehydration, infection, or electrolyte imbalance. Your doctor will give you loperamide to take at home. Take loperamide exactly as your doctor told you.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Changes in liver function

This is usually mild and may return to normal after treatment has ended. Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Electrolyte imbalance (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium levels)

Symptoms are different with each salt. You may feel weak or numb, have muscle spasms, or twitch. Your heart may beat fast or blood pressure may change. Your doctor will monitor your electrolyte levels and may prescribe specific electrolytes to be given by intravenous injection or taken by mouth.

Less common side effects of Onivyde^®

• Hair loss

It may begin 2-3 weeks after your first treatment. Your hair will usually grow back after treatment has finished.

• Mouth sores

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day during treatment can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Since grapefruits may increase the risk of side effects from Onivyde^®, it's sensible to avoid eating the grapefruit products during treatment.
• Avoid the use of St. John's Wort products as it may make Onivyde^® less effective.