Erbitux (Cetuximab)

Description

Erbitux (cetuximab) is given via an intravenous (IV) infusion for the treatment of colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer.

Directions

Erbitux will be administered by a qualified healthcare provider. Premedications may also be prescribed by your doctor for the prevention of infusion-related reactions.

Inform your doctor of any questions or concerns that arise.

Ingredients

Cetuximab is the active ingredient in Erbitux.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications to Erbitux per the most recent Erbitux Prescribing Information.

Cautions

• Erbitux is associated with the following FDA Boxed Warning:
• Serious and fatal infusion reactions may occur with Erbitux. The infusion should be stopped right away and discontinued permanently if a patient experiences serious infusion reactions.
• Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death have occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who were being treated with Erbitux with radiation therapy or a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Electrolyte levels in the blood, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium, should be checked during and after Erbitux infusion.

• Before beginning Erbitux infusions, inform your doctor of:
• All the prescription and nonprescription medications you take
• Your allergies
• Your current health issues
• Your past medical history
• Your status of pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Erbitux is associated with the following warnings and precautions:
• Airway obstruction, low blood pressure, shock, unconsciousness, heart attack, and/or cardiac arrest are some signs and symptoms of infusion reactions that can occur. The risk for anaphylactic reactions may be increased in patients with a history of tick bites, red meat allergies, or IgE antibodies against galactose-a-1,3-galactose. It is advisable to premedicate with an antihistamine.
• Monitoring of the following should also occur during and after Erbitux infusion:
• cardiopulmonary arrest
• electrolyte levels in the blood, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium
• Monitoring for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity (interstitial lung disease) should occur.
• Monitoring should occur and patients should be advised to limit sun exposure, as dermatologic toxicity, including acneiform rash, dry skin and fissuring, inflammation around the nails, infectious sequelae (e.g., sepsis, abscess, cellulitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis/ulcerative keratitis with decreased visual acuity, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis can be caused by Erbitux.
• Receiving Erbitux with radiation and cisplatin can lead to risks such as mucositis, radiation recall syndrome, acneiform rash, heart events, and abnormal electrolytes.
• Abnormal electrolytes, including a reduction in magnesium levels in the blood can be caused by Erbitux.
• Patients with Ras-Mutant mCRC are at risk for increased tumor progression and mortality or lack of benefit.
• Fetal harm; it is recommended that females who are able to reproduce use effective birth control methods while they are receiving Erbitux therapy and for 2 months after receiving the final dose of their treatment.
• Breastfeeding is not recommended.

Side Effects

Erbitux side effects include but are not limited to weakness, fever, headache, chills, reactions caused by the infusion, infection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, weight loss, dehydration, increased liver enzymes, sore throat, acneiform rash, radiation dermatitis, reactions at the application site, and itchiness.

Immediately notify your doctor of any bothersome or persistent side effects that you experience.

Talk to your doctor about Erbitux.

Reference

1. Erbitux. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....