Cetuximab Side Effects

Serious side effects

If allergic reaction occurs, with symptoms including rash/hives/itching, difficult swallowing/breathing, tight chest, or swelling of the face, consult a physician immediately.

infusion reactions which can leave the patient with shortness of breath, itchiness, dizziness, wheezing and hoarseness
coughing up blood with fast heartbeats
fainting and unusual tiredness
low blood magnesium levels which can induce spams, seizures, sluggishness, loss of appetite and general weakness
new or worsened breathing problems, including shortness of breath
bone pain in the chest, jaw or arm, with muscle cramps and stiff neck
burning, numbness, swelling or tingling/tightening feeling in appendages, with tremors
skin problems including red and swollen, irritated skin, hives, cracking and peeling, with oozing skin
decrease in urination, with signs of infection
mood changes including anxiety and depression, with confusion
severe nausea/vomiting and headaches, with some dehydration

Common side effects

pain or redness at injection site or near nail beds
hair loss and difficulty falling and staying asleep
constipation and stomach pain, with heartburn, nausea/vomiting and diarrhea
unexplainable weight change with back pain
burning in the eyes with some sensitivity to light
chills and pale skin, with runny nose
tender glands in the neck and unusual bleeding/bruising
black/tarry bowel movements and sores around the mouth
feeling thirsty and having sunken eyes, with sore throat and fever
discoloration of the nails in the toes and fingers, trouble concentrating
eyelid pain, with dry mouth/lips and itchy eyes
mild acne and unusual sweating with taste changes
minor joint pain

Warnings & Recalls for Cetuximab

Black Box Warnings

The FDA has given Cetuximab a black box warning due to its serious infusion reactions and its ability to cause cardiopulmonary arrest in those being treated for head and neck cancer, which can lead to untimely death.

Other Warnings

Patients should be sure to tell their doctor of a history of lung disease, radiation therapy and heart issues, or have had a history of low levels of calcium, potassium and magnesium, as these problems may interfere with the efficacy of Cetuximab.

Those who are allergic to Cetuximab or any of its ingredients (sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate and water) as it may cause allergic reactions.

Patients should avoid long exposure to sunlight and sunlamps/tanning booths as Cetuximab may make skin sensitive to sunlight. For up to 2 months after the last dose of Cetuximab, patients should wear sunscreen and protective clothing while exposed to sunlight.

Cetuximab can cause dizziness and severe drowsiness. Patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or do any activity that requires alertness until they are aware of how Cetuximab affects them.

This drug may decrease the body's ability to fight infection, so patients are advised to avoid contact with those who may be currently fighting an infection.

Cetuximab should be used with extreme caution in children and in the elderly.

Those taking Cetuximab should not receive live vaccines while on the drug, while regular lab tests might be conducted for up to 8 weeks after the patient has stopped receiving Cetuximab.

Contraindications:
Thalidomide and cisplatin are contraindicated.

Family Planning:
It is unknown if Cetuximab can impair fertility. It has been categorized as pregnancy category C and has the potential to cause fetal harm when used during pregnancy, however the risks are still unknown.

Women who have taken the drug should avoid pregnancy for up to 6 months after discontinuing the drug. Men who have taken Cetuximab can transfer the drug in sperm for up to 6 months after they have discontinued it.

Nursing mothers should be advised that it is unknown if Cetuximab is secreted through breast milk. Those who are breast feeding should not continue to nurse until 60 days after they have discontinued the drug.

Cetuximab Treatment and Use

What is Cetuximab?

Cetuximab | Erbitux is a monoclonal antibody, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor used in conjunction with radiation for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer. The drug can also slow the growth of new tumors in those with colorectal cancer.

How does Cetuximab work?

Cetumixab is normally given to patients who have tried other outlets to curing their cancer.

This drug works by diminishing the growth of cancer cells while increasing the growth of new cells. Cetuximab will stop cancer from dividing healthy cells uncontrollably, which is controlled by a signal from receptors. In a healthy body, the division of cells would be paired with new cell growth.

Because a mutation in proteins that won’t allow medication to discontinue the uncontrollable splitting, a KRAS test will have to be taken before treatment starts to determine if Cetuximab will help.

Dosage Information

This drug is produced in liquid form for intravenous use administered by a physician in a hospital setting.

Dosages vary but the drug is produced in single use vials of 100 mg/50 mL and 200 mg/100 mL. Cetuximab will be administered slowly over 1-2 hours, once a week.

A physician may administer an antihistamine to prevent the risk of infusion reaction related symptoms.

Other Names for Cetuximab

Erbitux