What is Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Cetuximab is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Cetuximab is used to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. It is also used to treat head and neck cancer.
Cetuximab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cetuximab or to mouse protein.
Before receiving cetuximab, tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, breathing problems, or coronary artery disease. Tell your doctor if you are also being treated with cisplatin (Platinol).
After you receive this medicine, your doctor will need to watch you for about an hour. This is to make sure you do not have any serious side effects from the medicine.
Some people receiving a cetuximab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel short of breath, weak or dizzy, nauseated, itchy, or have wheezing, noisy breathing, or a hoarse voice during the injection.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor. You may need to have blood tests for several weeks after your cetuximab treatment has ended.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds) while you are receiving cetuximab and for at least 2 months after your treatment ends. Cetuximab can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cetuximab or to mouse protein.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cetuximab:

• heart rhythm problems
• lung disease or a breathing disorder
• congestive heart failure; or
• coronary artery disease (clogged arteries)

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cetuximab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Whether you are a man or a woman, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving cetuximab, and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.
You should not breast-feed a baby while you are receiving cetuximab and for at least 60 days after your treatment ends.

Erbitux Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Some people receiving a cetuximab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel short of breath, weak or dizzy, nauseated, itchy, or have wheezing, noisy breathing, or a hoarse voice during the injection.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• an acne-like skin rash or any severe skin rash
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• easy bruising or bleeding
• urinating more or less than usual
• hot dry skin with weakness or dizziness
• confusion; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips

Less serious side effects may include:

• dry, cracked, or swollen skin
• changes in your fingernails or toenails
• headache
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• diarrhea, constipation
• dry mouth, trouble swallowing
• cough or sore throat
• weight loss; or
• weakness

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Erbitux Interactions

What other drugs affect Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Tell your doctor if you are also being treated with cisplatin (Platinol).
There may be other drugs that can interact with cetuximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds) while you are receiving cetuximab and for at least 2 months after your treatment ends. Cetuximab can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Erbitux Dosage

How should I take Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Cetuximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion pump, and can take up to 2 hours to complete.
After your cetuximab infusion, your doctor will need to watch you for about an hour. This is to make sure you do not have any serious side effects from the medicine.
If you are also being treated with radiation, you will receive cetuximab one week before your radiation treatment.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
You may need to have blood tests for several weeks after your cetuximab treatment has ended.

What happens if I overdose on Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cetuximab overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of Erbitux (Cetuximab)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cetuximab infusion.

Sourced from everydayhealth.com