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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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.
How should I take 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 miss a dose of cetuximab?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cetuximab infusion.
Where can I get more information about cetuximab?
Your pharmacist has information about cetuximab written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of 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:
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.
What is the most important information I should know about 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 avoid while taking 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.
What other drugs will affect cetuximab?
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.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
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drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
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interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
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Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009