Erbitux (Cetuximab) Drug Overview of Drug Interactions and Missed Dose for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Erbitux

Head and Neck Cancer »

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells in an orderly way. They perform their functions for a while, and then they die. Sometimes, however, cells do not die. Instead, they continue to divide and create new cells that the body does not need. The extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. Benign tumors are not cancer. They do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancer. Their growth invades normal structures near the tumor and spreads to other parts of the body. Metastasis is the spread of cancer beyond one location in the body.

What kinds of cancers are considered cancers of the head and neck?

Most head and neck cancers begin in the cells that line the mucosal surfaces in the head and...

Read the Head and Neck Cancer article »

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Erbitux Consumer (continued)

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Medical tests and regular physical exams should be performed to check for side effects. Laboratory tests should be performed before giving cetuximab to check for the EGFR protein on your tumor. Certain laboratory tests (e.g., calcium, magnesium, potassium levels) will be performed from time to time while you are being treated with cetuximab and up to 8 weeks after your last infusion. Consult your doctor for more details. Keep all scheduled medical appointments.

MISSED DOSE: It is important that you receive cetuximab as scheduled by your doctor. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to obtain a new dosing schedule.

STORAGE: Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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).