FOLFIRI Treatment Outline
Medications Irinotecan – 90 minute intravenous (IV) infusion
Leucovorin – 90-120 minute IV infusion (along with Irinotecan)
5Fluorouracil (5FU) – given 2 ways
- As a quick (bolus) IV injection given by a nurse through the IV tubing with a 5FU-filled syringe, followed by
- An outpatient, 46 hour continuous IV infusion provided by a home IV infusion company. The 5FU is delivered by a small pump worn in a fanny pack around the waist. The home IV infusion company will arrange your disconnect at the end of the infusion.
Frequency Every 14 days
Preparation for Therapy
- Venous Access Device (VAD) – A PORT or PICC catheter placement is scheduled to allow for continuous infusion of 5FU. This is often scheduled in our Interventional Radiology Department (G3/3). A nurse practitioner from Interventional Radiology will call you before the procedure to explain their routine and answer your questions.
- Chartwell Midwest Wisconsin is the home IV company that will be contacted to provide the continuous infusion 5FU and the infusion pump. A Chartwell nurse will meet you in the chemotherapy room, after the bolus 5FU, to connect the continuous infusion 5FU to your VAD. If your insurance company has a contract with a different home infusion company, Chartwell will help make those arrangements. You may receive a phone call from Chartwell introducing their services to you.
- Blood will be drawn right before the VAD placement or within 2 weeks of starting chemotherapy.
- Anti-nausea medicines will be given in clinic before starting the chemotherapy and you will be given a supply to take home. Anti-diarrhea medicine may also be ordered.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/01/2013
Copyright © 02/01/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7060
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