What is Erbitux? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Erbitux

• Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 1 hour. The first dose of this medicine could take 2 hours to give.

• You may also receive other medicines (including allergy medicine) to prevent unwanted effects to the injection.

• Your doctor may need you to stay in the hospital or cancer treatment center for at least 1 hour after you have received the medicine. You might need to stay longer if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

• Your doctor may need you to stay in the hospital or cancer treatment center for at least 1 hour after you have received the medicine. You might need to stay longer if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.

• You may also receive other medicines (including allergy medicine) to prevent unwanted effects to the injection.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 1 hour. The first dose of this medicine could take 2 hours to give.

• Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Erbitux

Erbitux contraindications - Who shouldn't take Erbitux?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cetuximab.

Erbitux warnings

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for 2 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, lung disease, or a history of tick bites or red meat allergy.

• This medicine can cause the following problems:Infusion reactionInterstitial lung diseaseSerious skin reactions

• Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

• Trouble breathing or swallowing

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Erbitux interactions & what to avoid when taking Erbitux

• Some medicines can affect how cetuximab works. Tell your doctor if you are using cisplatin.

• Do not breastfeed while you are using cetuximab and for at least 60 days after you receive your last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems, a lung disease, or if you have a mineral imbalance such as low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium.

• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.