Erbitux
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Erbitux
Erbitux Patient Information including How Should I Take
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive cetuximab (Erbitux)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to cetuximab or to mouse protein.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use cetuximab:
- heart rhythm problems;
- lung disease or a breathing disorder;
- congestive heart failure; or
- coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether cetuximab is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
You should not breast-feed a baby while you are receiving cetuximab and for at least 60 days after your treatment ends.
How is cetuximab given (Erbitux)?
Cetuximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion pump, and can take up to 2 hours to complete.
After your cetuximab infusion, your doctor will need to watch you for about an hour. This is to make sure you do not have any serious side effects from the medicine.
If you are also being treated with radiation, you will receive cetuximab one week before your radiation treatment.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
You may need to have blood tests for several weeks after your cetuximab treatment has ended.
Additional Erbitux Information
Erbitux - User Reviews
Erbitux User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Erbitux sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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