Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: cetuximab, injection; Erbitux
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat:
It may be given alone or with other medicines.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine or for 2 months after you receive this medicine.
The infusions are given once a week by your healthcare provider. You will be watched carefully for 1 hour after you receive each dose to make sure that you do not have a serious reaction. Be sure to keep all appointments for these infusions and for blood tests to find out how this medicine affects you.
Your provider may suggest that you take diphenhydramine (Benadryl) before each infusion to help reduce any side effects. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe other medicines to reduce nausea and diarrhea, which are common side effects of this medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
You may develop chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, wheezing or noisy breathing, hoarseness, hives, fainting, dizziness, blurred vision, or nausea, during your infusion. Tell your healthcare provider if you have these serious reactions.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first. If you develop a fever (over 100°F), contact your healthcare provider right away. The fever may be caused by a low white blood cell count, which would increase your risk of getting severe infections.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain, severe and prolonged diarrhea, high fever, severe nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, sores in your mouth or on your lips, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Other: Constipation, stomach pain, headache, back pain, chills, weakness, dry skin, dry or red eyelids, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dizziness, hair loss.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
