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 medicines. 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.

• Metastatic colorectal cancer
• Squamous cell cancer head and neck

Cetuximab 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. 

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 injection and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. 

• Store Erbitux 500mg injection 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.

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. 

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

Before starting the treatment with metastatic cancer, your doctor will take a test of your cells to detect whether your blood contains the normal or mutant form of RAS. If they contain, then Erbitux 500mg injection must not be received in combination with other anticancer treatments containing Oxaliplatin. It is not advised to use in children and adolescents. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any cardiopulmonary-related symptoms. Do not freeze the medicine. 

1. Merck Europe BV, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on July 2019] [ Accessed on 22nd April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/317/pil
2. Eli Lilly and Company, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on April 2019] [ Accessed on 22nd April 2023], 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 22nd April 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15962524/