Cetuximab: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What medicine is Cetuximab?

What is Cetuximab for?

Cetuximab is a drug that works to treat certain types of cancer of the colon (colon) or rectum that have spread to other parts of the body. This drug is also used for head and neck cancer, and kidney cancer. Cetuximab is a drug that belongs to the class of cancer-targeted therapy drugs that will slow or kill the growth of cancer cells. Cetuximab then binds to a certain protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR) in some tumors. This drug is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody).

How do I use Cetuximab?

Always follow the rules that have been given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cetuximab is a drug that is used by injection into a vein once a week by a medical professional. Other drugs, such as diphenhydramine, will be given before you receive cetuximab to reduce the risk of side effects. The initial dose is started in large quantities and given over 2 hours. The dose will then be reduced and given for 1 hour, if the patient can tolerate it. The dosage is always given based on your weight, health condition, and how you respond to therapy.

The medical staff will be there for you and supervise you for at least 1 hour after the infusion is given to make sure you have no reaction to the infusion. If you experience a reaction, the infusion will be stopped and then your doctor may not continue treatment.

How do I save Cetuximab?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Cetuximab dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of Cetuximab for adults?

The usual dosage for adults with Colon Cancer

Initial dose: 400 mg / m2 for intravenous infusion for 2 hours (maximum infusion rate: 5 ml / min)

Maintenance dose: 250 mg / m2 for intravenous infusion for 1 hour, once a week (maximum infusion rate: 5 ml / min)

What is the dose of Cetuximab for children?

There is no provision for the dose of this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is Cetuximab available?

Cetuximab is a drug that is available in the following dosages:

• Solution, intravenous: 100 mg / 5 ml, 200 mg / 100 ml

Cetuximab side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Cetuximab?

Some patients who have undergone treatment with cetuximab report an infusion reaction, when fluid is injected into a vein. Inform the medical personnel who treats you immediately if you experience shortness of breath, feel weak or dizzy, nauseous, itching, wheezing or wheezing, or hoarseness during the infusion.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you experience serious side effects, such as:

• Skin irritation such as acne, or other skin irritants
• Red, swollen, or bulging skin
• Pain in the eye area or redness, swollen eyelids, dry or conjunctival eyes, visual disturbances, increased sensitivity to light
• Feeling faint
• Heavy chest or chest pain, pain that radiates around the arms and shoulders, nausea, sweating, general ailments
• Fever, chills, flu symptoms, blisters in the mouth and throat, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath and shortness of breath
• Extreme thirst, heat, difficulty urinating, sweating profusely, sensation of chills on the skin; or
• Slow heart rate, weakened heart rate, fainting, slowed breathing (possibly stopped).

Other side effects include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Mild skin irritation or hives
• Discoloration of the fingernails and toenails
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach churn
• Sore throat
• Losing weight
• Feeling weak

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Cetuximab Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Cetuximab?

It is not recommended to take cetuximab if you are allergic to cetuximab or mouse protein.

Is Cetuximab safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = Not at risk

B = No risk in several studies

C = May be risky

D = There is positive evidence of risk

X = Contraindicated

N = Unknown

Cetuximab Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Cetuximab?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Can food or alcohol interact with Cetuximab?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions may interact with Cetuximab?

Cetuximab is a drug that can also cause certain reactions. Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• Heart rhythm problems
• Lung disease or respiratory problems
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary heart disease (blocked arteries)
• Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood)

Cetuximab overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.