Onivyde side effects: Common, mild, and serious
Onivyde (irinotecan liposome) is a brand-name infusion that’s prescribed for metastatic pancreatic cancer in certain adults. (“Metastatic” means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body away from the pancreas.)
If you have problems with side effects from Onivyde, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop taking Onivyde without consulting your doctor first.
Onivyde has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Onivyde” section.
Onivyde can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Onivyde in studies [link to PI]. These side effects can vary depending on which other drugs are being used during treatment.
More common side effects in people receiving Onivyde in combination with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil and leucovorin include:
For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.
Mild side effects can occur with Onivyde use. This list may not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To find out more, you can refer to Onivyde’s prescribing information.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Onivyde and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.
Onivyde may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Onivyde’s prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Onivyde, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
For more information about the risk of serious neutropenia and risk of serious diarrhea, see the “Boxed warnings for Onivyde” section.
For some people, Onivyde can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Onivyde, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Onivyde has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Onivyde may increase the risk of serious neutropenia, which is a condition that occurs when you have a severely low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). In Onivyde’s studies, serious neutropenia was a more common side effect.
You may not experience symptoms from serious neutropenia may not cause symptoms. But, this condition may increase the risk of a serious infection that leads to sepsis (a life threatening immune system response). Symptoms may include chills or fever, body aches, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
Your doctor will check your neutrophil level periodically during Onivyde treatment with a blood test. If your level gets too low, they may temporarily stop Onivyde treatment until it returns to a safe range.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about this risk.
Onivyde may increase the risk of serious diarrhea, including watery, loose stools. Serious diarrhea may start within a day of starting treatment with Onivyde, or it may be start later in treatment.
In Onivyde’s studies, serious diarrhea was a more common side effect. In extreme cases, serious diarrhea can lead to life threatening dehydration.
Your doctor can suggest ways to reduce your risk of serious diarrhea, such as advising you to drink plenty of fluids.
Tell your doctor if you experience serious diarrhea during treatment with Onivyde. They may also prescribe medications for diarrhea or temporarily stop Onivyde treatment until your symptoms improve.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about this risk.
While taking Onivyde, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.
If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.
Fatigue was a common side effect reported in studies of Onivyde. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:
Constipation was a common side effect reported in studies of Onivyde. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:
Onivyde has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Onivyde” section.
Before taking Onivyde, discuss your health history with your doctor. Onivyde may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.