What is FOLFIRI Chemotherapy

Finding out you have cancer is scary, especially when you are told that chemotherapy will be a part of your treatment. And, while there is no way to make chemotherapy pleasant, it is important to know that, if your doctor has recommended chemo, it is your best chance at beating the cancer.

If FOLFIRI chemo has been recommended by your doctor, they have taken the time to carefully evaluate your condition and feel that this type of treatment is your best chance at success. FOLFIRI chemotherapy is a type of chemo that is used to treat certain types of cancer – generally colon or rectal cancer. However, it has also been used to treat a variety of other conditions.

Drugs Found in FOLFIRI

There are five different cancer fighting drugs found in FOLFIRI: 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan or Camptosar. The 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan are used to help prevent cancer cell growth. It also prevents the cancer cells from multiplying. Eventually, the cancer cells should shrink and die. The Leucovorin in FOLFIRI is used to increase the efficacy of the 5-fluorouracil.

Before You Start Treatment

There are some things that you should be aware of before you start FOLFIRI treatment that can help prevent any adverse effects and protect you and your children. First, you should talk to your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking. This includes dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins.
To protect you and your children, you should try to avoid getting pregnant while you receive FOLFIRI treatment. FOLFIRI can harm your unborn baby and it is essential that you take proper precautions to avoid this situation. Do this by taking a good birth control and talk to your doctor immediately if you should become pregnant. If you have recently had a baby, you should avoid breastfeeding while you are receiving FOLFIRI treatment. There is currently no research available as to whether or not FOLFIRI can harm your infant while nursing.

You should also be aware that there is a possibility that you could become sterile from your FOLFIRI treatment. This is a possibility with many different types of chemotherapy drugs. If you plan to have a family in the future, take the time to talk to your doctor about how FOLFIRI might impact your future plans.

Health Conditions You Should Be Aware Of

There are some side effects that can occur with FOLFIRI that go beyond the normal chemotherapy side effects that you normally hear about. Some of the side effects are potentially fatal, so you need to be aware of them. If you display any of the symptoms that could indicate that you are suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

One of the most common side effects found with FOLFIRI is heart complications. This is caused by the 5-FU drug found in the FOLFIRI. Some complications can include heart attack, angina, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Those with heart conditions or a history of heart disease are at higher risk than patients that have never had a heart condition. Signs that you may be suffering from a heart-related complication could include back pain or tightness in the chest.

Diarrhea is also very common with the FOLFIRI treatment. This is caused by the drug Irinotecan. Diarrhea can occur within 24 hours after initial treatment or several days after treatment. It often peaks around the eleventh day after treatment. If you experience diarrhea within the first 24 hours, you may need to take atropine, a drug that can help reduce symptoms.

Dehydration is a risk with excessive diarrhea and you should take steps to making sure that you stay properly hydrated. Not staying properly hydrated can lead to other complications, including kidney problems. You should also have over-the-counter Imodium A-D at home before you start treatment and take it as soon as you start experiencing loose stools. This will help to reduce your risk of dehydration. Let your doctor know if you take any type of stool softeners or laxatives because these can worsen symptoms. You should also let your doctor know immediately if you experience a runny nose, flushing, watery eyes, excessive salivation, sweating, or stomach cramps after treatment.

Rare cases of intestinal inflammation can occur during FOLFIRI treatment. Complications experienced with this type of condition can include infection, ulcers, and bleeding. You should tell your doctor immediately if you start to experience rectal bleeding or have sudden abdominal pain. Side effects are often more severe in patients that are older or who have had radiation therapy to the abdominal or pelvic area. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection from the inflammation.