Liposomal irinotecan
Say it: LY-poh-SOH-mul eye-rih-noh-TEE-kan · Brand names: Onivyde
Liposomal irinotecan is a chemotherapy medicine wrapped in tiny fat bubbles that stops cancer cells from copying their genes.
What it is
This medicine is irinotecan packed inside tiny fat bubbles called liposomes. The bubbles help the medicine stay in the body longer. It blocks a protein cancer cells need to copy their genetic code (DNA), so they die.
Often used for
- pancreas cancer that has spread
How you get it
Liposomal irinotecan is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 90 minutes. It is usually given once every 2 weeks with other chemotherapy medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Diarrhea. Keep the diarrhea medicine your team gives you on hand.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Upset stomach or throwing up. Take nausea medicine as your team tells you.
- Not feeling hungry. Eat small snacks during the day.
- Mouth sores. Rinse often with a mild salt water or baking soda rinse.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood often.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Diarrhea that does not get better or lasts more than 24 hours
- Dizziness, fainting, or very dark pee (signs of dehydration)
- A new cough or trouble breathing
- Itching, rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing during or soon after the infusion
- Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down
Before you start, tell your team
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- If you know you have a gene change called UGT1A1*28
- If you have lung problems
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, especially St. John's wort
Good to know
- You will have blood tests before each treatment to check your blood counts.
- Diarrhea can be serious. Follow your team's plan for diarrhea medicine.
- Rarely, it can cause lung inflammation. Tell your team about a new cough or breathing trouble.
- It is not the same as regular irinotecan and cannot be swapped for it.
Questions to ask
- When should I take diarrhea medicine?
- How often will I get this?
- What other medicines will I get with it?
- How will we know if it is working?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Liposomal irinotecan?
- Liposomal irinotecan is a chemotherapy medicine wrapped in tiny fat bubbles that stops cancer cells from copying their genes. Brand names: Onivyde.
- What is Liposomal irinotecan used for?
- pancreas cancer that has spread.
- How is Liposomal irinotecan given?
- Liposomal irinotecan is given through a vein (IV) in a clinic. The infusion takes about 90 minutes. It is usually given once every 2 weeks with other chemotherapy medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Liposomal irinotecan?
- Diarrhea. Feeling tired. Upset stomach or throwing up. Not feeling hungry. Mouth sores. Low blood counts.
- When should I call my care team while taking Liposomal irinotecan?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Diarrhea that does not get better or lasts more than 24 hours; Dizziness, fainting, or very dark pee (signs of dehydration); A new cough or trouble breathing; Itching, rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing during or soon after the infusion; Throwing up or diarrhea so bad you cannot keep fluids down.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.