Other Brands/Names

Erbitux.

How it Works

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody drug. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, slowing or stopping their progression.

Indications

• Cetuximab is used with or without radiation therapy to treat certain types of head and neck cancer that have spread to surrounding tissues or other parts of the body. It can also be used with other medications to treat head and neck cancer that has spread or recurred after previous treatments.

• Additionally, cetuximab is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat certain types of colon or rectal cancer that have spread to other areas of the body.

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to cetuximab.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, fever, chills, trouble sleeping, weight loss, fatigue, drowsiness, eye redness or itchy eyes, changes in nails, dry skin, and mouth sores or sore throat. If these effects persist or worsen, it is important to inform your doctor immediately.
• A rash similar to acne may occur. Your doctor may decide to delay or stop treatment to manage this potentially serious side effect.
• Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

  • Confusion, depression

  • Swelling of the hands or feet, dehydration

  • Symptoms of a serious infection (such as a sore throat that does not go away, high fever, or chills)

  • Signs of kidney problems (such as reduced urine output)

  • Decreased vision, severe dizziness

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, or severe muscle spasms

Types

Cetuximab is available as injectable drugs.

Dosage

• Initial dose: 400 mg/m² by slow infusion over 2 hours, with a maximum infusion rate of 5 mg/minute.

• Maintenance dose: 250 mg/m² once a week, administered via infusion over 1 hour, with a maximum infusion rate of 10 mg/minute.

Treatment is continued until there is improvement or if intolerable side effects occur.

Safety

• Cetuximab may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in activities that require alertness until you are sure you can do so safely. It is also advisable to avoid alcohol while using this medication.

• Sunlight may exacerbate skin reactions during treatment. Avoid prolonged sun exposure during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose. Always use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Pregnancy should be avoided during cetuximab treatment, as it may harm the fetus. Discuss suitable birth control methods with your doctor while using this medication and for 2 months after the last dose.

• Cetuximab is excreted in breast milk, and due to potential harm to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• There is an increased risk of severe leukopenia (low white blood cell count) when cetuximab is combined with platinum-based chemotherapy.

• Combining cetuximab with fluoropyrimidines (a type of anticancer drug) may increase the risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and heart failure.

• The risk of severe diarrhea may increase when cetuximab is used with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (other types of anticancer drugs).

• Using cetuximab and receiving live vaccines at the same time may increase the risk of secondary infections.

• There is a potentially fatal risk when cetuximab is combined with radiation therapy and cisplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy drug).

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