Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: panitumumab, injection; Vectibix
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
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:
Men who receive this medicine should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this during treatment with this medicine or for 6 months after stopping treatment.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine or for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed during treatment or for 2 months after stopping treatment.
The infusions are given by your healthcare provider. You will be watched carefully during the infusion and for at least 1 hour after you receive each dose to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction. Be sure to keep all appointments for these infusions and for blood tests to find out how this medicine affects you.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to reduce nausea and diarrhea, which are common side effects of this medicine. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.
This medicine may cause severe skin problems These skin problems may include pimples, itching, red colored skin, rash, peeling skin, and dry, cracked skin. This may lead to very serious skin infections. These severe reactions may also happen to the stomach and intestine lining, eyes, and nails. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any skin or eye problems.
You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.
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.
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): Shortness of breath; cough; chest pain; severe and prolonged diarrhea; fever; severe nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; sores in your mouth or on your lips; dry or red eyelids; vision changes; muscle cramps; irritated skin around fingernails or toenails; skin irritation or rash; unusual swelling in hands or feet.
Other: Acne, constipation, stomach pain, headache, back pain, chills, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dizziness, pain or redness at infusion site.
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.
