home > drugs a-z list > vectibix (panitumumab injection for intravenous use) drug center > vectibix (panitumumab injection for intravenous use) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, constipation, abdominal pain, or growth of eyelashes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: swelling ankles/feet, unusual weakness, irregular heartbeat, severe muscle spasms, mouth sores, eye redness/itching/irritation, watery eyes, menstrual changes.

Rarely, panitumumab has caused very serious lung disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of lung disease, including: cough, shortness of breath.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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.

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving panitumumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonitis), low magnesium/calcium blood levels.

Sunlight may worsen any skin reactions that may occur while you are receiving this drug. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while using this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss using at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) while receiving this medication and for 6 months after the end of treatment. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 2 months after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.