Vectibix 100mg injection is an anticancer drug belonging to the class of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, containing the active ingredient Panitumumab. It is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the colon or rectum and has spread to other parts of the body).

It is not recommended to take this injection if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. This drug targets certain proteins in the body, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If you experience any signs of bleeding while taking this drug, such as unusual bleeding or bruising, black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, or bleeding gums, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or temporarily stop the treatment. Eye problems can occur while on the treatment with this medicine such as inflammation and damage to the cornea, and the symptoms may include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any skin problems while taking this medicine. Your doctor may recommend topical creams or ointments to soothe the skin or antibiotics to treat any infections that may develop. Infusion reactions can happen as a side effect of this drug, which are allergic reactions that can occur during or shortly after the infusion of the medication. To minimize the risk of infusion reactions, your doctor will monitor you closely during and after the infusion and may give you medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids to prevent or treat any allergic reactions that may occur. Vectibix 100mg injection is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of the drug.

• Metastatic colorectal cancer

Vectibix 100mg injection is a monoclonal antibody that attaches to a specific protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR) and induces the immune system’s fight against cancer. It interrupts the receptor signalling and thereby stops the cancer cells from spreading to other organs.

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Vectibix 100mg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.

• Store Vectibix 100mg injection in the original package at room temperature (2°C to 8°C).
• Keep it out of reach from children.

The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Vectibix 100mg injection is given as an injection into a vein (intravenous infusion) over a period of 60 minutes, every 14 days. Doses higher than 1000 mg should be administered over 90 minutes. The dose, route of administration, and frequency will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.

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

Serious

• Acute Kidney failure
• Severe skin reactions
• Infusion-related reactions
• Swelling
• Severe diarrhea when used in combination treatment
• Lung problems
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Sensitivity to light
• Skin and eye disorders
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
   

Common

• Anaemia
• Sleeplessness
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or constipation
• Stomach pain
• Dry mouth
• Heartburn
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Back pain

This medicine can cause skin or tissue damage. Apply sunscreen or wear a hat before you travel outside, as sunlight can cause further skin damage. If your skin reaction is severe, contact your doctor right away. It is necessary to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and also avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or utensils. Women of childbearing age should discuss family planning with their doctor before starting treatment with Vectibix 100mg injection, as this medication may harm a developing fetus.

1. Amgen Inc, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2021] .  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6178.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023).
2. Panitumumab- food and drug administration. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/125147s080lbl.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023).
3. Amgen Inc, European Medical Agency (ema), [Revised on June 2017] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vectibix-epar-product-information_en.pdf  (Accessed: April 25, 2023).
4. Amgen Inc, [Revised on Aug 2021] https://www.pi.amgen.com/~/media/amgen/repositorysites/pi-amgen-com/vectibix/vectibix_pi.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023).
5. Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236.
6. Douglas F. Lake and Adrienne D. Briggs, Immunopharmacology, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 977-1002.