Erbitux IV

In Depth

Uses and How to Use
Dosage and Storage
Precautions and Side Effects
Drug Interactions

Generic Name: CETUXIMAB - INJECTION
Pronounced: (see-TUX-ih-mab)

Erbitux IV Warning

Severe (sometimes fatal) infusion reactions have occurred with cetuximab. Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, hoarseness, itching, or dizziness, as your treatment should be stopped.

Rare deaths (due to heart attack, sudden death) have occurred in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy and cetuximab. This may rarely occur days to a few months after the last dose of this medication. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias). Blood levels of certain minerals should be checked often (see Notes section). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: chest pain, unexplained jaw/left arm pain.

Erbitux IV Side Effects

(see also Warning section)

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, stomachache, backache, fever/chills, trouble sleeping, weight loss, fatigue, drowsiness, eye redness/itching, nail changes, and dry skin may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be quite severe. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Many people using this medication have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

An acne-like rash may occur. Depending on how severe this rash is, your doctor may delay your cetuximab treatment, lower your dose, treat the rash with antibiotics, or stop treatment with cetuximab to decrease this potentially serious side effect.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

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