Erbitux

Erbitux is a cancer medication used to treat patients diagnosed with colon and rectum cancer. The medicine stops cancer from growing and spreading to other parts of the body. Also, Erbitux is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer. It is often combined with other cancer medication or radiation treatment.

• Erbitux

• Erbitux
• Erlotinib HCl
• Exkivity
• Gefitinib
• Gilotrif
• Iressa
• Portrazza
• Tagrisso
• Tarceva
• Vectibix
• Vizimpro

• Injectable

• By injection

Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 1 hour. The first dose of this medicine could take 2 hours to give.

Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

You may also receive other medicines (including allergy medicine) to prevent unwanted effects to the injection.

Your doctor may need you to stay in the hospital or cancer treatment center for at least 1 hour after you have received the medicine. You might need to stay longer if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.

Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cetuximab.

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 2 months after the last dose.

Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose.

Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, lung disease, or a history of tick bites or red meat allergy.

This medicine can cause the following problems:Infusion reactionLung or breathing problems, including interstitial lung diseaseSerious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Limit your time in the sun during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Trouble breathing or swallowing

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Some medicines can affect how cetuximab works. Tell your doctor if you are receiving cisplatin or radiation treatment.

Do not breastfeed while you are using cetuximab and for at least 60 days after you receive your last dose.

Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, a lung disease, or if you have a mineral imbalance such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Headache, bone pain, back pain
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, or stomach pain
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness, fainting
• Chest pain, coughing up blood
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blemishes on the skin, pimples
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping
• Eye or vision changes
• Discoloration of the fingernails or toenails