home > drugs a-z list > erbitux (cetuximab) drug center > erbitux (cetuximab) drug - patient avoid while taking

In this Article

• What is cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• What are the possible side effects of cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• What is the most important information I should know about cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• How is cetuximab given (Erbitux)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Erbitux)?
• What happens if I overdose (Erbitux)?
• What should I avoid while receiving cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• What other drugs will affect cetuximab (Erbitux)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Erbitux)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your cetuximab infusion.

What happens if I overdose (Erbitux)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a cetuximab overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while receiving cetuximab (Erbitux)?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds) while you are receiving cetuximab and for at least 2 months after your treatment ends. Cetuximab can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What other drugs will affect cetuximab (Erbitux)?

Tell your doctor if you are also being treated with cisplatin (Platinol).

There may be other drugs that can interact with cetuximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about cetuximab.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2010 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision date: 09/09/2009.

Your use of the content provided in this service indicates that you have read,understood and agree to the End-User License Agreement,which can be accessed by clicking on this link.