Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer. Onivyde comes as a liquid solution for IV infusion in a healthcare facility, usually given every 2 weeks.
Onivyde is used in adults to treat pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other parts of your body. It may be prescribed in the following situations:
- If you haven’t had any treatment yet, Onivyde will be prescribed with three other chemotherapy drugs (oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin).
- If you’ve had treatment with gemcitabine but your pancreatic cancer has gotten worse, Onivyde will be prescribed with two other chemotherapy drugs (fluorouracil and leucovorin).
The active ingredient in Onivyde is irinotecan liposome. Onivyde belongs to a group of drugs called topoisomerase inhibitors.
Onivyde comes as a liquid solution for intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). You’ll receive these infusions in a healthcare facility.
This article describes the dosages of Onivyde, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Onivyde, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Onivyde’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg) per square meter (m2).*
| Use | Recommended starting dose |
|---|---|
| as first-line treatment for pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other areas of your body (used in combination with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin) | 50 mg/m2 |
| if you’ve had treatment with gemcitabine but your pancreatic cancer has gotten worse (used in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin)† | 70 mg/m2 |
* Your doctor will calculate your specific dosage based on your body weight and height. This is called body surface area (BSA) and is measured in square meters.
† Your prescribed dosage may be lower if you have certain genetic factors. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. See “What are the usual dosages of Onivyde?” to learn more.
Keep reading for more details about Onivyde’s dosage.
What is Onivyde’s form?
Onivyde comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional.
What strength does Onivyde come in?
Onivyde comes in one strength of 43 milligrams in 10 milliliters of solution (4.3 mg/mL).
What are the usual dosages of Onivyde?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for metastatic pancreatic cancer
The typical Onivyde dosage for adults with pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other areas of the body depends on the following:
- if you’ve treated your pancreatic cancer before
- if you have certain genetic factors
- the size of your body, based on body surface area (BSA)*
- if you experience side effects during treatment
If you experience side effects, your doctor may have you stop Onivyde treatment until you recover. And they may lower your dose if they have you restart treatment.
All doses are given by IV infusion in a healthcare facility. You’ll receive each dose over the course of 90 minutes once every 2 weeks.
If you haven’t received treatment prior to Onivyde for pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other areas of your body:
- Onivyde will be prescribed in combination with three other chemotherapy drugs (oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin)
- you’ll likely be prescribed a dose of 50 mg/m2*
If you’ve received gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other areas of your body, but the cancer’s gotten worse:
- Onivyde will be prescribed in combination with two other chemotherapy drugs (fluorouracil and leucovorin)
- you’ll likely be prescribed a dose of 70 mg/m2*
- you’ll likely be prescribed a reduced dose, such as 50 mg/m2,* if you have certain genetic factors
About 30 minutes before you receive each Onivyde infusion, you’ll likely be given a corticosteroid and an antiemetic (anti-nausea drug). These medications may reduce your risk of side effects. You’ll receive Onivyde before the other chemotherapy drugs in your cancer regimen.
Onivyde is only used in combination with other drugs. It’s not used by itself.
* Your doctor will calculate your specific dosage based on your body weight and height. This is called body surface area (BSA) and is measured in square meters.
How to take Onivyde
Onivyde comes as a liquid solution given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility. For more information on what to expect when you receive a dose of Onivyde, check out the drug manufacturer’s website.
Is Onivyde used long term?
Yes, Onivyde is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Onivyde’s dosage.
What’s the difference between liposomal irinotecan and irinotecan?
Onivyde’s active ingredient is liposomal irinotecan. But there are other forms of irinotecan. For example, irinotecan hydrochloride is the active ingredient in Camptosar, another drug that treats cancer that’s spread to other areas of the body.
But different forms of irinotecan are not interchangeable, based on Onivyde’s package insert. For example, liposomal irinotecan may stay in your body longer, based on this
What’s the Onivyde 5-FU regimen?
Onivyde is always given in combination with two or three other chemotherapy drugs to treat pancreatic cancer that’s spread to other areas of the body. One of these drugs is fluorouracil, also called 5-FU.
Onivyde and 5-FU are given in combination with oxaliplatin and leucovorin (other chemotherapy drugs) if you haven’t had treatment before.
Onivyde and 5-FU are given in combination with leucovorin if you’ve received gemcitabine (another chemotherapy drug) before but your cancer’s gotten worse.
The doses you’ll receive of each drug will likely be different based on whether you’ve had previous treatment for your pancreatic cancer.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
