Erbitux 500mg Injection

Cetuximab

Uses of Erbitux 500mg Injection

  • Metastatic colorectal cancer
  • Squamous cell cancer head and neck

Introduction to Erbitux 500mg Injection

Erbitux 500mg injection is an anticancer medication containing the active ingredient Cetuximab which belongs to the class of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat metastatic cancer of the large intestine either alone or with a combination of their medicine. Additionally, it is also used to treat certain types of squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Cancer is a condition in which cells multiply uncontrolled and abnormally.

Do not take an Erbitux 500mg injection if you are allergic to Cetuximab or any other ingredients of this medicine. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents. Inform your doctor if you had or have any heart, kidney, or lung disorders. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to red meat, tick bite or positive for antibodies; it makes a severe allergic reaction. Please tell your doctor if you have eye problems like blurred vision, red or severe dry eyes, or eye pain.

Your doctor will take a blood test to monitor your WBC count; because there is a chance of reducing WBC counts while taking this medicine with a combination of anticancer medicine (platinum-based therapy). Inform your doctor if you take Fluropyrimidine as an anticancer combination, as this medication can cause life-threatening heart problems.  Do not breastfeed or drive while taking the Erbitux 500mg injection. Discuss the effective contraception method, as this medicine should not be used during pregnancy.

Therapeutic Effects of Erbitux 500mg Injection

Erbitux 500mg binds to the protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR). As a result of this binding, cancer cells no longer receive the signal that the cells need for growth and development. Thus, this medication prevents cancer cells from growing.


Interaction of Erbitux 500mg Injection with other drugs

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking medicines for blood pressure or other heart conditions. Certain medications may interact with Erbitux 500mg and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.


More Information about Erbitux 500mg Injection

  • Store Erbitux 500mg in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
  • Do not freeze
  • keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
  • If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.

How to consume Erbitux 500mg Injection

It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse. Do not self-administer the injection. Before giving the Erbitux 500mg injection, you will be given other antiallergic medicine (pre-medication) to reduce the possible side effects. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors. It will be given as an intravenous infusion, and you will be monitored carefully for any unwanted side effects.


Safety Advices for Erbitux 500mg Injection

 

Pregnancy

Erbitux 500mg injection may cause harm to the unborn baby when administered to a pregnant woman. You need to tell your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine.

 

Breast Feeding

It is unsafe to take an Erbitux 500mg injection if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

 

Lungs

Erbitux 500mg can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). So, inform your physician about any underlying lung disorders before consuming, as this medication should be used cautiously in lung disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.

 

Liver

Inform your physician about any underlying liver disorders before taking Erbitux 500mg, as this medication should be used cautiously in liver disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.

 

Alcohol

It is unknown whether consuming alcohol while taking an Erbitux 500mg tablet is safe. Please speak with your physician.

 

Driving

Driving while taking Erbitux 500mg is unsafe because this medicine might cause dizziness and tiredness, so avoid driving and operating machinery during this treatment.


Side Effects of Erbitux 500mg Injection

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious

  • Infusion reactions (swelling of face, eyes, mouth, throat, or lips, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, fainting, or fever)
  • Heart problems
  • Blistering or peeling of skin
  • Vision problems

Common

  • Diarrhea, constipation
  • Weight loss, poor appetite
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Excessive growth of hair in the skin
  • Low blood counts
  • Difficulty breathing, cough
  • Liver problems
  • Infection
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Skin rash

Brand

MERCK LTD

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