A patient is receiving irinotecan (Camptosar), along with other antineoplastic drugs, as treatment for ovarian cancer. The nurse will monitor for which potentially life-threatening adverse effect that is associated with this drug?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In addition to producing hematologic adverse effects, irinotecan has been associated with severe diarrhea, known as cholinergic diarrhea, which may occur during infusions. Delayed diarrhea may occur 2 to 10 days after infusion of irinotecan. It is recommended that this condition can be treated with atropine unless use of that drug is strongly contraindicated. This diarrhea can be severe and even life threatening.

A Patient Is Receiving Irinotecan (Camptosar), Along with Other Antineoplastic