Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion
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Product introduction
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer and cancer of colon and rectum. It helps to mark the cancer cells for destruction by the body's immune system.
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is given as an injection under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Inform your doctor if you experience sudden difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver, and electrolyte levels. It makes your skin more sun-sensitive, take precaution while stepping out.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is given as an injection under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. Inform your doctor if you experience sudden difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver, and electrolyte levels. It makes your skin more sun-sensitive, take precaution while stepping out.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
Uses of Erbitux Solution for Infusion
Benefits of Erbitux Solution for Infusion
In Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses or throat. Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In Cancer of colon and rectum
Cancer of the colon and rectum, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) or bowel cancer, is the development of cancer from two parts of the large intestine, namely, the colon or rectum. In this type of cancer, the person may notice symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion treats and also lowers the risk of developing further cancerous growths (polyps) and bowel cancer. It kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine, but has some bothersome side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Side effects of Erbitux Solution for Infusion
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Erbitux
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Conjunctivitis
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Infusion reaction
- Decreased magnesium level in blood
- Increased liver enzymes
How to use Erbitux Solution for Infusion
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self-administer.
How Erbitux Solution for Infusion works
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to receptors on cancer cells. Thus it flags the cancer cells for destruction by the body's immune system.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Erbitux Solution for Infusion?
If you miss a dose of Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion, please consult your doctor.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
- Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is given as an injection into the veins under the supervision of a doctor.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Monoclonal antibody (mAb)
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
EGFR (ErbB1 or HER1) inhibitors- Monoclonal antibody
Interaction with drugs
Taking Erbitux with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Cetuximab may increase the rate of release of Oxaliplatin in the blood.
Do not consume Cetuximab with Oxaliplatin. If concurrent use is essential, please consult your doctor. They
Cetuximab may increase the effect of Carboplatin.
Do not consume Cetuximab with Carboplatin. If concurrent use is essential, please consult your doctor. They may monitor your trea
Cetuximab may increase the metabolism of Cisplatin.
Do not consume Cetuximab with Cisplatin. If concurrent use is essential, please consult your doctor. They may monitor your trea
Fluorouracil may raise blood levels of Cetuximab.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.Doctor may monitor your liver function.
Capecitabine may increase the side effects of Cetuximab.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
Patient concerns
User feedback
What are you using Erbitux Solution for Infusion for?
Cancer of col*
50%
Head and neck*
50%
*Cancer of colon and rectum, Head and neck cancer
How much was the improvement?
Excellent
100%
What were the side-effects while using Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion?
No Side Effec*
100%
*No Side Effect
FAQs
Is Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion a chemotherapy drug?
Yes, Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is a cytotoxic drug that is used in the chemotherapy of cancers of colon and rectum, and head-neck cancers.
Is Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion cytotoxic agent or vesicant or radiosensitizer?
It is not a radiosensitizer, but usually used in combination with radiotherapy to treat the cancers. It is not a vesicant (irritant).
How is Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion administered?
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is generally administered by intravenous (IV infusion) route, with or without radiotherapy.
Does Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion cause hair loss?
Yes. Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion is a chemotherapy agent, which may cause hair loss. Please consult your doctor if you experience such side effect.
Why does Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion cause a rash?
Erbitux 5mg/ml Solution for Infusion may cause a rash. Consult your doctor if it bothers you.
How long does the rash last?
The duration of skin rash depends upon its type and severity. Please consult your doctor for advice..
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1736-37.
- Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 953-54.
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 239-40.
- Cetuximab. Feltham, Middlesex: Merck; 2004 [revised Oct. 2018]. [Accessed 26 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Cetuximab. [Updated 2018 Dec 3]. [Accessed 18 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Merck Ltd
Address: L-2, J.R. Complex, Gate No. 4, Village Mandoli, Delhi-110 093, India
Country of origin: India
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