Erbitux IV
- confusion
- depression
- swelling of hands/feet/lower legs
- dehydration
- serious infection (e.g., high fever, chills, persistent sore throat)
- change in amount of urine
- severe dizziness
- fast/slow/irregular heartbeat
Rarely, very serious lung problems may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- trouble breathing
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Erbitux IV Precautions
Before receiving cetuximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- lung disease
- radiation therapy
- heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias)
This medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Sunlight may worsen any skin reactions that may occur while you are using this drug. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps during treatment and for 2 months after your last treatment with cetuximab. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
This medication may harm an unborn baby. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Both males and females using this drug must avoid becoming pregnant or causing pregnancy. Therefore, both males and females using this drug must use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while using this medication and for 6 months after treatment is ended. Consult your doctor for information on reliable birth control. If you or your partner becomes pregnant while using this drug or during the 6 months after the last treatment, tell both of your doctors immediately.
Based on information from related drugs, cetuximab may pass into breast milk. Because of potential harm to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using cetuximab and for 2 months after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Erbitux IV Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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