Cetuximab Injection

Conditions Treated

Cetuximab is used with or without radiation therapy to treat a certain type of cancer of the head and neck. Cetuximab is also used alone or in combination with another medication to treat a certain type of cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Cetuximab has been shown to slow the growth of tumors in people who have cancer of the colon or rectum. However, it has not been shown to help people who have cancer of the colon or rectum feel better or live longer. Cetuximab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Cetuximab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• acne-like rash
• dry or cracking skin
• swelling or pain in the fingernails or toenails
• red, watery, or itchy eye(s)
• red or swollen eyelid(s)
• pain or burning sensation in eye(s)
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• hair loss
• dry mouth
• chapped lips
• mouth sores
• difficulty swallowing
• headache
• tiredness
• weakness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• depression
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• stomach pain
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• pain, especially in the back
• pain, redness, or swelling at injection spot

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• fast heartbeat
• coughing up blood or dry cough
• shortness of breath or unusual tiredness during exercise
• fainting
• decreased urination
• muscle cramps
• shaking of the hands that you cannot control
• sudden tightening of the hands or feet
• twitching of the body that you cannot control
• sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• diarrhea
• confusion
• itching
• hives
• red, swollen, or infected skin

Cetuximab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Cetuximab comes as a solution (liquid) to be infused (injected slowly) into a vein. Cetuximab is given by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or infusion center. It is usually given once a week.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before receiving treatment with cetuximab, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cetuximab, any medications that are made from murine (mouse) proteins, or any other medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't know whether a medication that you are allergic to is made from murine proteins. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention if you are receiving treatment with cisplatin (Platinol). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lung disease. plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Cetuximab may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.