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Cetuximab is used alone or with other anti-cancer drugs to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. These patients generally cannot tolerate or have not responded to another drug called irinotecan. This medication is also used to treat head and neck cancer. Cetuximab works by slowing cancer cell growth. This action occurs when this drug binds to a specific protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR) on the cancer cells. Cetuximab is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody).Cetuximab may also be used for kidney cancer.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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ERBITUX
Uses
Cetuximab is used alone or with other anti-cancer drugs to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. These patients generally cannot tolerate or have not responded to another drug called irinotecan. This medication is also used to treat head and neck cancer. Cetuximab works by slowing cancer cell growth. This action occurs when this drug binds to a specific protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR) on the cancer cells. Cetuximab is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody).Cetuximab may also be used for kidney cancer.
Notes
- Medical tests and regular physical exams should be performed to check for side effects.
- Laboratory tests should be performed before giving cetuximab to check for the EGFR protein on your tumor.
- Certain laboratory tests (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium levels) will be performed from time to time while you are being treated with cetuximab and up to 8 weeks after your last infusion.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
- Keep all scheduled medical appointments.
Storage
- Refrigerate this drug between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Once prepared, cetuximab should be given within 8 hours if left at room temperature or 12 hours if refrigerated.
- Small, white, lint-like strands should be visible in the solution.
- This is normal.
How To Use
- Cetuximab is given by vein (intravenously-IV) usually once a week by a healthcare professional.
- Another drug (e.g., diphenhydramine) may be given before you receive cetuximab to lessen the chance of certain side effects.
- Do not shake or dilute this medication.
- The first dose (loading dose) is larger and is given over 2 hours.
- All other doses (maintenance doses) are smaller and are given over 1 hour if tolerated.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.A healthcare professional should watch you for at least 1 hour after your infusion is finished to make sure you do not have an infusion reaction.
- (See Warning section).
- If you experience a severe infusion reaction, your infusion will be stopped and your doctor may decide to stop further treatments.This medication may contain small particles.
- It is very important to use an IV filter ("in-line" filter) while giving this medication.
- Consult your pharmacist about the proper use of this filter.
Side Effects
- (see also Warning section)Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, stomachache, backache, fever/chills, trouble sleeping, weight loss, fatigue, drowsiness, eye redness/itching, nail changes, and dry skin may occur.
- Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe.
- In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting.
- Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects.
- If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.An acne-like rash may occur.
- Depending on how severe this rash is, your doctor may delay your cetuximab treatment, lower your dose, treat the rash with antibiotics, or stop treatment with cetuximab to decrease this potentially serious side effect.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: confusion, depression, swelling of hands/feet/lower legs, dehydration, change in amount of urine, severe dizziness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.Rarely, very serious lung problems may occur.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: trouble breathing.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before receiving cetuximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease, radiation therapy, heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias).This medication may make you drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.Sunlight may worsen any skin reactions that may occur while you are taking this drug.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
- Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.This drug must not be used during pregnancy.
- It may cause harm to an unborn baby.
- Consult your doctor before receiving cetuximab and discuss the use of reliable birth control during therapy and for 2 months after the end of treatment.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.Based on information from related drugs, cetuximab may pass into breast milk.
- Because of potential harm to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using cetuximab and for 2 months after the end of treatment.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- It is important that you receive cetuximab as scheduled by your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to obtain a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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