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Campto 40 mg / 2 ml concentrate for solution for infusion – patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

Last updated: · Text from the MHRA, as of · About this document

Medicine strength:
40 mg / 2 ml
Contains active substance:
ATC code:

Patient leaflet - Campto 40 mg / 2 ml concentrate for solution for infusion

1. What CAMPTO is and what it is used for

CAMPTO is an anticancer medicine containing the active substance irinotecan hydrochloride, trihydrate.

Irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. CAMPTO is indicated in combination with other medicines for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. CAMPTO may be used alone in patients with metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum whose disease has recurred or progressed following initial fluorouracil-based therapy.

2. What you need to know before you use CAMPTO

Do not use CAMPTO:

  • if you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease and/or bowel obstruction.
  • if you are allergic to irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6 “What CAMPTO contains”).
  • if you are a breast-feeding woman (see section 2).
  • if your bilirubin level is higher than 3 times the upper limit of the normal range.
  • if you have severe bone marrow failure.
  • if you are in poor general condition (WHO performance status higher than 2).
  • if you are taking or have recently taken St John’s Wort (a herbal extract containing Hypericum).
  • if you are to take or have recently taken live attenuated vaccines (vaccines against yellow fever, chicken pox, shingles, measles, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, rotavirus, influenza) and during the 6 months after stopping chemotherapy.

If you receive CAMPTO in combination with other medicines, please make sure that you also read the package leaflet of the other medicines regarding additional contraindications. Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using CAMPTO

  • If you have Gilbert’s syndrome, an inherited condition that can cause elevated bilirubin levels and jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). Take special care with CAMPTO. The use of CAMPTO should be confined to units specialised in the administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy and it should only be administered under the supervision of a physician qualified in the use of anticancer chemotherapy.

Diarrhoea

CAMPTO can cause diarrhoea, which in some cases may be severe. This may start a few hours or a couple of days after the medicine infusion. If left untreated, it could lead to dehydration and serious chemical imbalances, which can be life threatening. Your doctor will prescribe medicine to help prevent or control this side effect. Make sure you get the medicine right away, so that you will have it at home when you need it.

  • Take the medicine as prescribed at the first sign of loose or frequent bowel movements.
  • Drink large amounts of water and (or) salty drinks (fizzy water, soda or soup).
  • Call your doctor or nurse know if you still have diarrhoea, especially if it lasts more than 24 hours, or if you get lightheaded, dizzy, or faint.

Neutropenia (decrease in some white blood cells) This medicine can lower your white blood cell count, mainly in the weeks after the medicine is given. This can increase the risk of getting an infection. Be sure to let your doctor or nurse know right away if you have any signs of infection, such as fever (38 °C or higher), chills, pain when passing urine, a new cough, or bringing up sputum. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection. Blood monitoring

Your doctor will likely test your blood before and during your treatment, to check for effects of the medicine on blood counts or on blood chemistry. Based on the test results, you may need medicines to help treat the effects. Your doctor may also need to reduce or delay your next dose of this medicine, or even stop it altogether. Keep all your appointments for doctor visits and lab tests.

This medicine may lower your platelet count in the weeks after it is given, which can increase your risk of bleeding. Speak with your doctor before taking any medicines or supplements that might affect your body’s ability to stop bleeding, such as aspirin or aspirin-containing medicines, warfarin, or vitamin E. Tell your doctor right away if you have unusual bruising, or bleeding such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, or black, tarry stools. Nausea and vomiting

You may have nausea and vomiting on the day you receive this medicine or in the first few days after. Your doctor may give you medicine before your treatment to help prevent nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will likely prescribe anti-nausea medicines that you can take at home. Have these medicines on hand for when you need them. Call your doctor if you are unable to take fluids by mouth due to nausea and vomiting.

Acute cholinergic syndrome

This medicine may affect part of your nervous system that controls body secretions, leading to what is known as cholinergic syndrome. Symptoms can include runny nose, increased saliva, excess tears in the eyes, sweating, flushing, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea. Let your doctor or nurse know right away if you notice any of these symptoms, as there are medicines that can help control them. Lung disorders

Rarely, people on this medicine have serious lung problems, Tell your doctor right away if you have new or worsening cough, trouble breathing, and fever. Your doctor may need to stop your treatment to manage this problem. This medicine may increase your risk of major blood clots in the veins of the legs or lungs, which can travel to other parts of the body such as the lungs or brain. Tell your doctor right away if you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in an arm or leg.

Chronic intestinal inflammation and/or intestinal blockage

Call your doctor if you have pain in your belly and you cannot move your bowels, especially if you also have bloating and loss of appetite. Irradiation therapy

If you recently received treatment with pelvic or abdominal radiotherapy, you may be at increased risk of developing bone marrow suppression. Please talk to your doctor before starting the CAMPTO.

Kidney function

Occurrences of kidney dysfunction have been reported.

Cardiac disorders

Inform your doctor if you suffer/suffered from heart disease or if you previously received anticancer medicines. Your doctor will monitor you closely and discuss with you how risk factors (for example smoking, high blood pressure and to high fat content) can be reduced.

Vascular disorders

CAMPTO is rarely associated with blood flow disorders (blood clots in the vessels of your legs and lungs) and it may occur rarely in patients with multiple risks factors.

Others

This medicine may cause sores in the mouth or on the lips, often within the first few weeks after starting treatment. This can cause mouth pain, bleeding, or even trouble eating. Your doctor or nurse can suggest ways to reduce this, such as changing the way you eat or how you brush your teeth. If needed, your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with the pain.

For contraception and breast-feeding information, refer to the information provided below under section

Contraception, pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you are on this medicine if you are planning to have surgery or any procedure.

If used in combination with other anticancer medicines for your condition please make sure that you also read the leaflets for the other medicine.

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. Other medicines and CAMPTO

CAMPTO can interact with a number of medicines and supplements, which may either raise or lower the level of the medicine in your blood. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any of the following:

  • Medicines used to treat seizure

    (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and fosphenytoin).

  • Medicines used to treat fungal infection (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole).
  • Medicines used to treat bacterial infection (clarithromycine, erythromycin and telithromycine).
  • Medicines used to treat tuberculosis (rifampicin and rifabutin).
  • St. John’s Wort (a herbal dietary

    supplement).

  • Live attenuated vaccines.
  • Medicines used to treat HIV (indinavir, ritonavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir, nelfinavir, atazanavir, and others).
  • Medicines used to suppress your body’s immune system to prevent transplant rejection (cyclosporine and tacrolimus).
  • Medicines used to treat cancer (regorafenib, crizotinib, idelalisib and apalutamide).
  • Vitamin K antagonists (common blood thinner such as Warfarin).
  • Medicines used to relax muscles used during general anaesthesia and surgery (suxamethonium).
  • 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid.
  • Bevacizumab (a blood vessel growth inhibitor).
  • Cetuximab (an EGF receptor inhibitor). Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before being given CAMPTO if you are already having, or have recently had chemotherapy (and radiotherapy).

Don’t start or stop taking any medicines while you are on CAMPTO without talking with your doctor first.

This medicine can cause serious diarrhoea. Try to avoid laxatives and stool softeners while taking this medicine.

There may be more medicines that interact with CAMPTO. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse about your other medicines, herbs, and supplements, and whether alcohol can cause problems with this medicine.

Contraception, pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

Contraception

If you are a woman of childbearing age, then you have to use effective contraception during and up to 6 months after stopping treatment. As a man, you have to use effective contraception during and up to 3 months after stopping treatment. It is important to check with your doctor about what kinds of birth control can be used with this medicine.

Pregnancy

This medicine may cause problems with the foetus if taken at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Before initiating treatment, your doctor will ensure that you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Breast-feeding

Irinotecan and its metabolite were measured in human milk. Breast-feeding should be discontinued for the duration of your treatment with this medicine.

If you are breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Fertility

No studies have been done, nevertheless, this medicine may affect fertility. Prior to taking this medicine talk with your doctor about the possible risk with this medicine and the options that may preserve your ability to have children. Driving and using machines

You may notice that you are dizzy and/or have trouble with your vision in the first 24 hours or so after you take this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery if you have this side effect. CAMPTO contains sorbitol

This medicine contains a sugar (sorbitol). Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If you (or your child) have hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder, you (or your child) must not receive this medicine. Patients with HFI cannot break down fructose, which may cause serious side effects.

You must tell your doctor before receiving this medicine if you (or your child) have HFI or if your child can no longer take sweet foods or drinks because they feel sick, vomit or get unpleasant effects such as bloating, stomach cramps or diarrhoea.

Package leaflet: Information for the user

CAMPTO 20 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion irinotecan hydrochloride, trihydrate

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION:

The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Instruction for personnel regarding safe handling of CAMPTO

Like all anti-neoplastic substances, irinotecan must be prepared and handled carefully. The use of protective glasses, mask and gloves is required.

If CAMPTO comes into contact with your skin, wash it off immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. If CAMPTO comes into contact with your mucous membranes, wash it off immediately and thoroughly with water. As with all injectable drugs, CAMPTO must be prepared under aseptic conditions.

If a clouding or condensation is visible in the vial or after dilution of the concentrate, the medicine may not be used and must be disposed of.

Preparation of the solution for infusion

As with any other injectable drugs, CAMPTO solution for infusion must be prepared aseptically.

If you observe any precipitate in the vial or solution for infusion, discard the product according to standard procedures for cytotoxic agents.

Aseptically withdraw the calculated amount of CAMPTO concentrate for solution for infusion from the vial into a syringe and transfer into a 250 mL infusion bag or bottle containing either 0.9% (w/v) sodium chloride solution or 5% (w/v) glucose infusion solution. Mix the solution for infusion in the infusion bag or bottle thoroughly by manual rotation. Do not mix with other medicines.

CAMPTO 20 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion

irinotecan hydrochloride, trihydrate 5146

Read Direction

This medicine contains 45 mg sorbitol in each mL which is equivalent to 90 mg/2 mL, 225 mg/5 mL and 675 mg/15 mL.

This medicine contains sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.

3. How to use CAMPTO

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor is you are not sure.

CAMPTO will be given to you by healthcare professionals.

Your doctor may recommend a DNA test before your first dose of CAMPTO.

Some people are genetically more likely to have certain side effects from the medicine. The amount of CAMPTO that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule.

CAMPTO is injected into a vein through an intravenous route (IV). You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. CAMPTO must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

You may be given other medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other side effects while you are receiving CAMPTO. You may need to keep using these medicines for at least a day after your CAMPTO injection. Tell your care givers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when CAMPTO is injected. If the medicine escapes from the vein it can cause tissue damage. If you experience pain or notice redness or swelling at the IV site while you are receiving CAMPTO, alert your healthcare professional immediately. There are currently several treatment schedules recommended for CAMPTO. It is usually given either once every 3 weeks (CAMPTO given alone) or once every 2 weeks (CAMPTO given in combination with 5FU/FA chemotherapy). The dose will depend on a number of factors, including the treatment schedule, your body size, your age and general health, your blood counts, how well your liver is working, whether you have had radiation to your abdomen/pelvis, and whether you have any side effects such as diarrhoea.

Only your doctor may assess the duration of treatment.

If you use more CAMPTO than you should

Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include some of the serious side effects listed in this medication guide. If you forget to use CAMPTO

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your CAMPTO injection. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effect could be serious. You must immediately contact your doctor if you experience any of those following serious side effects (see section 2).

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

  • Diarrhoea (see section 2)
  • Early diarrhoea: Occurring within 24 hours of receiving this medicine, accompanied by symptoms runny nose, increased salivation, watery eyes, sweating, flushing, abdominal cramping. (This can occur while the medicine is being administered. If so, alert your healthcare professional promptly. Medication can be given to stop and/or lessen this early side effect).
  • Late diarrhoea: Occurring greater than 24 hours of receiving this medicine. Because of concerns of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances with diarrhoea it is important to be in contact with health care professionals for monitoring, and for medication and diet modifications advice.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the symptoms below:

Symptoms

Frequency* of

occurrence in

Monotherapy

Frequency† of occurrence in Combination Therapy

Abnormally low number of white blood cells which could put you at increased risk for

infection

Very commonVery common
Low number of red blood cells causing tiredness and shortness of breathVery commonVery common
Decreased appetiteVery commonVery common

Cholinergic syndrome (see Take special care with

CAMPTO)

Very commonVery common
VomitingVery commonVery common
NauseaVery commonVery common
Abdominal painVery commonCommon
Hair loss (reversible)Very commonVery common
Inflammation of mucous membranesVery commonVery common
FeverVery commonCommon
Feeling weak and having no energyVery commonVery common

Low number of platelets (blood cells that help with clotting) which may cause bruising or

bleeding

CommonVery common
Abnormal liver function test valuesCommonVery common
InfectionCommonCommon
Low number of white blood cells with feverCommonCommon
Difficulty in passing stoolsCommonCommon

Abnormal

kidney function test values

CommonNot reported

* Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

† Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people

Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data

  • Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea (which may be associated with stomach pain or fever) caused by bacteria called (Clostridium difficile)
  • Blood infection
  • Dehydration (due to diarrhoea and vomiting)
  • Dizziness, rapid heart beat and pale skin (a condition called hypovolaemia)
  • Allergic reaction
  • Temporary speech disorders during or shortly after treatment
  • Pins and needles
  • High blood pressure (during or after infusion)
  • Heart problems*
  • Lung disease causing wheezing and shortness of breath (see section 2)
  • Hiccups
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Enlarged colon
  • Bleeding from the bowels
  • Inflammation of the large intestine
  • Abnormal lab test results
  • Hole in the intestine
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Skin reactions
  • Reactions at the site where the medicine was administered
  • Low level of potassium in the blood
  • Low level of salt in the blood mostly related with diarrhoea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Kidney problems*
  • Low blood pressure*
  • Fungal infections
  • Viral infections

* Infrequent cases of these events have been observed in patients who experienced episodes of dehydration associated with diarrhoea and/or vomiting, or infections of the blood.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store CAMPTO

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Your doctor will check this for you.

Storage conditions

Store below 25 °C.

Store in the original outer carton, protect from light.

Shelf life

Before dilution: 2 years (40 mg in 2 mL presentation) or 3 years (100 mg in 5 mL and 300 mg in 15 mL presentations).

After dilution: The medicine will be given to you within 24 hours of dilution. The diluted solution may have been stored at 2 °C to 8 °C in a refrigerator.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What CAMPTO contains

  • The active substance is irinotecan hydrochloride, trihydrate 20 mg/mL, equivalent to irinotecan 17.33 mg/mL.
  • One vial of 2 mL contains 40 mg of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (40 mg/2 mL).
  • One vial of 5 mL contains 100 mg of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (100 mg/5 mL).
  • One vial of 15 mL contains 300 mg of irinotecan hydrochloride trihydrate (300 mg/15 mL).
  • The other ingredients are sorbitol E420 (see section 2), lactic acid, sodium hydroxide (see section 2), hydrochloric acid and water for injections.

What CAMPTO looks like and contents of the pack

This medicine is supplied as concentrate for solution for infusion in amber-coloured Onco-Tain® glass vials of 2 mL, 5 mL or 15 mL.

The vials are wrapped in a protective plastic to reduce the risk of spillage if the vials break - these are referred to as Onco-Tain® vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder:

Pfizer Limited

Ramsgate Road

Sandwich

Kent

CT13 9NJ

UK

Manufacturer

Pfizer Service Company BV

Hermeslaan 11

1932 Zaventem

Belgium

This medicinal product is authorised in the Member States of the EEA under the following names:

BelgiumCampto 20 mg/mL, solution à diluer pour perfusion
FranceCampto 20 mg/mL, solution à diluer pour perfusion (IV)
GreeceCampto 20 mg/mL, concentrate for solution for infusion
IrelandCampto 20 mg/mL, concentrate for solution for infusion
ItalyCampto 20 mg/mL, concentrato per soluzione per infusione
LuxembourgCampto 20 mg/mL, solution à diluer pour perfusion
NetherlandsCampto 20 mg/mL, concentraat voor oplossing voor infusie

United

Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

Campto 20 mg/mL, concentrate for solution for infusion

This leaflet was last revised in 09/2025.

Ref: CF 24_0

Shelf life

The diluted CAMPTO solution is physically and chemically stable up to 28 days as a solution for infusion (9% (w/v) sodium chloride solution and 5% (w/v) glucose solution) when stored in LDPE or PVC containers at 5 °C or at 30 °C when protected from light.

When the diluted solution is not stored and protected from light, it is physically and chemically stable up to 3 days.

From a microbiological viewpoint, immediate use is recommended. If the product is not used immediately after dilution, the storage times and conditions are the responsibility of the user and would normally not be longer than 24 hours at 2 °C to 8 °C, unless the dilution took place in controlled aseptic conditions.

Warnings against some visible signs of deterioration

Do not use CAMPTO if you notice a precipitate in the vials or the diluted solution. In this case, the product should be discarded according to the standard procedures for disposal of cytotoxic waste. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Administration

For information on administration, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics for CAMPTO.

Disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirement.

GUJ-DRUGS/G/28/1267

2102612

About this document

Source: MHRA - Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (products.mhra.gov.uk) · Marketing authorisation: PL 00057/0626

Last revision stated in the text: September 2025 · MHRA data as of 13 October 2026

Found a mistake? Tell us on the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Facts about Campto 40 mg / 2 ml concentrate for solution for infusion

Active substance Irinotecan
Strength 40 mg / 2 ml
Drug group (ATC)
  1. L Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents
    1. L01 Antineoplastic agents
      1. L01C Plant alkaloids and other natural products, antineoplastic drugs
        1. L01CE Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) inhibitors
          1. L01CE02 irinotecan
Marketing authorisation PL 00057/0626

Sources: the MHRA product information (products.mhra.gov.uk) and the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d), release 10.2.0 of 19 October 2026, NHS Business Services Authority. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.