Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab)
Prescription RequiredManufactured By
Merck
Pack Of
1
Salt Composition
Cetuximab
Storage
Keep in cold place
Overview
Erbitux 5mg injection is a prescription-based anticancer medicine used in the treatment of head & neck cancer and colorectal cancer. The active ingredient of the Erbitux is Cetuximab which belongs to the drug class of Anti-HER1 Monoclonal Antibody.
It works by blocking the action of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells to stop them from growth and multiplication. Cetuximab Injection is usually given in combination with another anticancer medicine as a part of combination therapy to increase the efficacy of the treatment.
Quick Product Facts
| Field | Publication wording |
|---|---|
| Brand | erbitux |
| Generic / Active Ingredient | Cetuximab |
| Strength | 5 |
| Dosage Form | Injection |
| Manufacturer / Marketer | Merck |
| Pack Size | 1 |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Therapeutic Categories | Cancer Medicines |
Uses and Indications
Head and neck cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer
Side Effects of Erbitux 5mg Injection
The human body shows undesired symptoms after taking Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab). Usually, they disappear with time as the body adjusts to the medicine. These side effects don't need special medical attention. It is advised to consult your doctor if these symptoms become unmanageable.
Common or Clinically Frequent Side Effects
- Some of the common side effects of Cetuximab Injection are mentioned below:
- ● Fatigue
- ● Diarrhea
- ● Headache
- ● Low appetite
- ● Nose bleeding
- ● Eye inflammation
- ● Nausea & vomiting
- ● Injection site reaction
- ● High risk of infections
- ● Increased level of liver enzyme
- ● Infection in the lining of the intestine
- ● Low levels of magnesium in the blood
Serious Side Effects
- ● Conjunctivitis
- ● Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- ● Extreme tiredness and breathlessness
Erbitux 5mg Injection Dosage and How To Take It
Cetuximab 5mg Injection (Erbitux) is a prescription-based anticancer drug. It is advised to take this injection after consulting your healthcare expert. This medicine should be given intravenously by an experienced nurse or doctor. Please do not self-administer.
Safety Advice for Erbitux 5mg Injection
- ● Alcohol: The interaction of alcohol with this drug is still unknown. It is advisable not to consume alcohol while taking Cetuximab 5mg Injection (Erbitux). It is advised to consult your doctor for further information.
- ● Pregnancy: Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab) may be considered unsafe during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor in such condition.
- ● Breastfeeding: Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab) is probably not safe if you're breastfeeding. Kindly consult your doctor.
- ● Driving: It is advisable not to drive or operate heavy machinery as you may feel dizzy after taking Cetuximab 5mg Injection (Erbitux).
- ● Kidney: Share your medical history with your healthcare expert in case of kidney disease before taking Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab).
- ● Liver: Inform your doctor before starting Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab) if you have liver disease to avoid any serious side effects
FAQs About Erbitux 5mg Injection
Why do doctors prescribe Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab)?
This medicine is given to adults diagnosed with head & neck cancer and colorectal cancer.
What is the right way of taking the Cetuximab 5mg Injection (Erbitux)?
Cetuximab 5mg Injection is should be given intravenously by an experienced nurse or doctor. Please do not self-administer.
What are the commonly observed side effects of Erbitux 5mg Injection (Cetuximab)?
The most common side effects of this medicine include Diarrhea, Headache, Tiredness, Mouth sores, Muscle or joint pain, Stomach pain, and difficulty breathing. It is advised to go for regular liver function tests to examine the liver function.
Who should avoid taking Erbitux 5mg Injection?
People diagnosed with severe liver and kidney disorders are advised to consult their healthcare professionals before taking this medicine.
Can the Cetuximab 5mg Injection (Erbitux) be given in combination therapy with other medications?
No, there are chances that Cetuximab may interact with certain drugs. It is crucial to inform your healthcare expert if you're already taking any medication.
References
● Saltz, L. B., Meropol, N. J., Loehrer Sr, P. J., Needle, M. N., Kopit, J., & Mayer, R. J. (2004). Phase II trial of cetuximab in patients with refractory colorectal cancer that expresses the epidermal growth factor receptor. Journal of clinical oncology, 22(7), 1201-1208.
● Wong, S. F. (2005). Cetuximab: an epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Clinical therapeutics, 27(6), 684-694.
● Specenier, P., & Vermorken, J. B. (2013). Cetuximab: its unique place in head and neck cancer treatment. Biologics: Targets and Therapy, 77-90.
● Vermorken, J. B., Mesia, R., Rivera, F., Remenar, E., Kawecki, A., Rottey, S., ... & Hitt, R. (2008). Platinum-based chemotherapy plus cetuximab in head and neck cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 359(11), 1116-1127.
● Jonker, D. J., O'Callaghan, C. J., Karapetis, C. S., Zalcberg, J. R., Tu, D., Au, H. J., ... & Moore, M. J. (2007). Cetuximab for the treatment of colorectal cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(20), 2040-2048.
Marketer Details
Merck
Author Details
Written By:
Nonish Sharma
I am a medical content writer with a strong academic background in life sciences, holding an M.Sc. in Biotechnology... Read More
Reviewed By:
Vaibhav Shakya
Dr. Vaibhav Shakya, MD, is a Medical reviewer and medicine expert at Globans Pharma, with more than 9 years of experienc... Read More
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