ERBITUX 500MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Erbitux 500mg Injection is a targeted therapy containing the active constituent cetuximab. It is used to treat metastatic cancer of the colon or rectum. Cancer is a condition in which cells multiply in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. In metastatic cancer, cancer spreads to different body parts from where it started.

Erbitux 500mg Injection is also used to treat a certain type of head and neck cancer (squamous cell cancer). This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents. Inform your physician if you have any eye problems, or heart diseases, before taking this medication.

Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccination while taking Erbitux 500mg Injection. It is important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to red meat or have ever been bitten by a tick.

Uses of Erbitux 500mg Inj:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer
• Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

How Erbitux 500mg Injection works:

Erbitux Injection binds to the protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR). As a result of this binding, cancer cells no longer receive the messages it needs for growth and development. Thus, this medication prevents cancer cells from growing. 

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Erbitux 500mg Injection out of sight and reach of children.
• Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).

References:

1. Merck Europe BV, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on July 2019] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.317.pdf
2. Eli Lilly and Company, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2019] [ Accessed on 30th Nov 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/125084s273lbl.pdf
3. Richard M Goldberg; Cetuximab; Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery; Published on May 2005; Accessed on 30/11/2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15962524/

How to use Erbitux 500mg Injection:

Erbitux Infusion will be given to you by a health care professional.

Safety advice:

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. 

Breastfeeding:

Erbitux 500mg Injection should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine. 

Kidney:

You need to tell your physician if you have any kidney disorders before taking Erbitux 500mg Injection. 

Driving: 

Erbitux 500mg Infusion may cause side effects that could affect your driving ability. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

Talk to your doctor if:

• You have heart problems or eye problems.
• You are about to receive any vaccinations.
• You are allergic to red meat.
• You have ever been bitten by a tick.

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

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
• Low blood counts
• Difficulty breathing, cough
• Liver problems
• Infection
• Headache
• Weakness
• Skin rash