Cetuximab
Generic Name: cetuximab
Brand Names:
Erbitux
11 DESCRIPTION Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist. It is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab is composed of the Fv regions of a murine anti-EGFR antibody with human IgG1 heavy and kappa light chain constant regions and has an approximate molecular weight of 152 kDa.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist. It is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab is composed of the Fv regions of a murine anti-EGFR antibody with human IgG1 heavy and kappa light chain constant regions and has an approximate molecular weight of 152 kDa.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ERBITUX ® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of: Head and Neck Cancer Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy.
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Premedicate with an H 1 receptor antagonist. ( 2.4 ) In Combination With Radiation Therapy: Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). ( 2.2 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) As Single-Agent or in Combination With Chemotherapy: Weekly: Administer initial dose of 400 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion, and subsequent doses of 250 mg/m 2 infused over 60 minutes once weekly. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Biweekly: Administer 500 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every two weeks.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary arrest [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Dermatologic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) with Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy (FOLFIRI, Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil/Platinum) are: cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection.
Warnings
WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST Infusion Reactions: ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion Reactions: Monitor patients following infusion. Immediately stop and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 , 5.1 ) Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Monitor serum electrolytes during and after ERBITUX. ( 5.2 , 5.6 ) Pulmonary Toxicity: Interrupt or permanently discontinue for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. ( 2.5 , 5.3 ) Dermatologic Toxicity: Monitor for dermatologic toxicities or infectious sequelae. Limit sun exposure. ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Hypomagnesemia and Accompanying Electrolyte Abnormalities: Monitor during treatment and for at least 8 weeks following the completion. Replete electrolytes as necessary. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion.
Storage
Storage and Handling Store vials under refrigeration at 2° C to 8° C (36° F to 46° F). Do not freeze or shake. Increased particulate formation may occur at temperatures at or below 0° C (32° F). Discard any remaining solution in the infusion container after 8 hours at controlled room temperature or after 12 hours at 2° C to 8° C. Discard any unused portion of the vial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cetuximab used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ERBITUX ® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of: Head and Neck Cancer Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy.
What are the side effects of Cetuximab?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary arrest [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Dermatologic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) with Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy (FOLFIRI, Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil/Platinum) are: cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection.
Can I take Cetuximab during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion.
What are the important warnings for Cetuximab?▼
WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST Infusion Reactions: ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion Reactions: Monitor patients following infusion. Immediately stop and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 , 5.1 ) Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Monitor serum electrolytes during and after ERBITUX. ( 5.2 , 5.6 ) Pulmonary Toxicity: Interrupt or permanently discontinue for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. ( 2.5 , 5.3 ) Dermatologic Toxicity: Monitor for dermatologic toxicities or infectious sequelae. Limit sun exposure. ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Hypomagnesemia and Accompanying Electrolyte Abnormalities: Monitor during treatment and for at least 8 weeks following the completion. Replete electrolytes as necessary. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.