Erbitux (Cetuximab) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

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.

Whether you are a man or a woman, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving cetuximab, and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends.

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.

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