Cetuximab Injection

Brands: Erbitux

Uses

For treating cancer.

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

You must be monitored by a healthcare professional for at least 1 hour after each dose is given.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 2 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 2 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• constipation or diarrhea
• drowsiness or sedation
• dry skin
• eye pain or redness
• lack of energy and tiredness
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• nausea and vomiting
• darkening of skin or nails
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• acne
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• confusion
• depression or feeling sad
• dizziness
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fever or chills
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• muscle cramps
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sweating
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.