Irinotecan tips?

[Mohrfamily]

DH is going to add irinotecan to his cocktail in 2 weeks so I think this is now FOLFIRI? Plus vectibix.

Any tips on diet, meds to take to help ease side effects? DH is a little scared definitely intimidated by the side effects and their severity. Anything that could ease his mind (and mine) would be helpful.

The symptoms I've heard are similar to FOLFOX but being amped up but they talked about a burning from the inside that is less common but fatal? Help!

[ginabeewell]

Has he been on Vectibix yet? He should ask to treat the rash prophylactically with Doxycycline and a steroid cream for his face. It appears in 90% of patients and best practice is to treat before it shows up although very few doctors seem to.

It’s definitely the worst side effect I’ve had to deal with.

[Mohrfamily]

Has he been on Vectibix yet?
It’s definitely the worst side effect I’ve had to deal with.

Yes he's covered in rash and using steroid cream and oral meds. We find its more tolerable when he gets a rub down with the cerave? Cream/moisturizers on day 6 after infusion every other day.

[jep]

Has he been on Vectibix yet? He should ask to treat the rash prophylactically with Doxycycline and a steroid cream for his face. It appears in 90% of patients and best practice is to treat before it shows up although very few doctors seem to.

It’s definitely the worst side effect I’ve had to deal with.

Yes, absolutely....my husband’s skin was so bad, especially his face....definitely ask questions about this and be proactive with the meds that will battle this side effect...it was very bad for my husband, but cleared up pretty quickly when he finished the Vectibix....

[juliej]

As I'm sure you know, Irinotecan often causes serious diarrhea. If he starts having stomach or abdominal cramps while he's being infused, ask the nurse for a shot of atropine. It instantly stops the cramping! I had a shot every time I had an infusion of irinotecan. They just shoot it into your IV so no needles!

Other tips - if the diarrhea gets bad and Imodium isn't cutting it, try alternating Lomotil and Imodium. That combo seems to work for lots of people. Also, some people are helped more by the "multi-symptom" variety of Imodium since it also helps with gas. You can give that a try too.

Remember that diarrhea causes dehydration, which makes everything feel worse. Get him to drink water with electrolytes or add Nuun tabs to regular water to make an electrolyte drink. Even if he just sips at it all day, make sure he's drinking something all the time.

Hope this helps!
Juliej

[Mohrfamily]

Thank you everyone I keep mentioning the BRAT diet for diarrhea too

[Rikimaroo]

FOLFIRI, always made me throw up on the first day, twice. Sometimes once on the 2nd day. It's absolutely frustrating to do it.