uses
What is Erbitux used for?Erbitux (cetuximab) is commonly used for the following types of cancer.Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that keeps coming back or has spreadSome colon cancersErbitux may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does Erbitux work (mechanism of action)?Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in many kinds of cancer, including certain types of head and neck and colon cancers. Erbitux blocks EGFR, which reduces growth and spread of these cancer cells.How is Erbitux supplied (dosage forms)?Brand and other namesErbitux Dosage forms and strengthsErbitux is available as an injection that is given by a healthcare professional.How should I store Erbitux?Erbitux is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does Erbitux interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Erbitux and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Erbitux. The risk of tiredness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Erbitux.Does Erbitux interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between Erbitux and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Erbitux?The most common side effects of Erbitux are listed below. Side effects can vary based on the other treatments you are receiving while using Erbitux. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Rash or small raised bumps on the skinItchingChanges in how your nails look or feelHeadacheNausea and diarrheaInfectionTirednessStomach painReduced appetiteJoint painThere may be other side effects of Erbitux that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Erbitux?While less common, the most serious side effects of Erbitux are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Erbitux may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Erbitux and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painInfusion Reactions. Erbitux can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. You may have a higher risk of an infusion reaction if you have had a tick bite or are allergic to red meat. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion or in the few hours after getting it.Trouble breathingHoarseness or a high pitched sound when you are breathingLow blood pressure (which can cause dizziness and fainting)Heart attackFever or chillsLung Problems. Erbitux can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or feel short of breath. You may also have a cough, fever, or chest pain.Skin Reactions. Erbitux can cause several types of skin reactions. Some of these skin reactions can lead to serious skin infections or death if not treated. Limit your exposure to the sun while using Erbitux and for two months after your last dose. Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms.Dry, itchy, or scaly skinCracks in your skinRedness, pain, or swelling of your skinSwelling at the nail base or your nails come offPainful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels offFlat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitalsRed, painful, watery eyes or vision changesFlu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle achesCardiac Arrest. Erbitux may cause your heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest) or you to die suddenly. This risk may be higher if you have heart problems. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart problems you may have, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, or an abnormal heartbeat.Electrolyte Changes. Erbitux may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), low potassium levels (hypokalemia), and low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). These changes can be serious. Keep appointments for blood work so that your healthcare provider can check your electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes. Weakness or unusual tirednessMuscle pain, cramps, spasms, or twitchingConstipationNausea, vomiting, or loss of appetiteDizzinessConfusion or decreased alertnessChanges in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeatFaintingNumbness, tingling, or burning sensation in your arms, feet, or face (paresthesia)Seizures
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Erbitux?If you or someone else has used too much Erbitux, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Erbitux?Erbitux is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Erbitux as scheduled.If you miss an appointment to get your Erbitux dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Erbitux?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Erbitux.CetuximabErbituxAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Erbitux.What should I know about Erbitux before using it?Erbitux is an intravenous (IV) medicine that you will receive at a hospital or clinic. You may also get medicine before Erbitux to reduce your risk of side effects from Erbitux.Using Erbitux may make it difficult for you to get pregnant in the future. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Erbitux?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Erbitux is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Coronary artery diseaseHeart problems, including heart failure or an abnormal heartbeatLow potassium, calcium, or magnesium levelsPrior tick biteRed meat allergyLung problemsPregnancy. Erbitux may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You may need a negative pregnancy test before you can get Erbitux. Use effective birth control while you are using Erbitux and for two months after your last dose.Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while using Erbitux and for at least two months after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.How can I get more information about Erbitux?For more information about Erbitux, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.erbitux.lilly.com or call them at 866-472-8663.
about
Erbitux is an intravenous (IV) infusion used to treat certain head, neck, and colon cancers. Common side effects include rash and diarrhea. It is important to limit sun exposure while using Erbitux. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop a cough, fever, or skin or nail problems.