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 their medicine. 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.
Uses of Erbitux 500mg InjectionMetastatic colorectal cancerSquamous cell cancer head and neck Therapeutic Effects of Erbitux 500mg Injection
Erbitux 500mg 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. Interaction of Erbitux 500mg Injection with other drugsInform 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 and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. More Information about Erbitux 500mg Injection Store Erbitux 500mg in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)Do not freezekeep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.How to consume Erbitux 500mg InjectionIt 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. Safety Advices for Erbitux 500mg Injection
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.
Breast Feeding
It is unsafe to take an Erbitux 500mg injection if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk. You need to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Lungs
Erbitux 500mg can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). So, inform your physician about any underlying lung disorders before consuming, as this medication should be used cautiously in lung disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.
Liver
Inform your physician about any underlying liver disorders before taking Erbitux 500mg, as this medication should be used cautiously in liver disease patients. Consult your physician before taking this medicine.
Alcohol
It is unknown whether consuming alcohol while taking an Erbitux 500mg tablet is safe. Please speak with your physician.
Driving
Driving while taking Erbitux 500mg is unsafe because this medicine might cause dizziness and tiredness, so avoid driving and operating machinery during this treatment.
Side Effects of Erbitux 500mg InjectionSide 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
Word of AdviceBefore 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 must not receive 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. FAQs Q 1. Does Erbitux 500mg cure cancer? Erbitux 500mg is not a cure for cancer; instead, it can help to slow down or restrict the growth and spread of cancer cells, which improves the quality of life of patients with certain types of cancer.
Q 2. How is Erbitux 500mg different from other cancer drugs? Erbitux 500mg is a monoclonal antibody that targets a specific protein in cancer cells, while other cancer drugs may work differently.
Q 3. How often do patients need to receive Erbitux 500mg treatments? The frequency of Erbitux 500mg treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated, as well as other factors such as the patient's overall health.
Q 4. Can Erbitux 500mg be used in combination with other cancer treatments? Yes, Erbitux 500mg is often used in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat certain types of cancer.
Q 5. What is the difference between Erbitux 500mg and other cancer treatments? Erbitux 500mg is a targeted therapy that specifically targets cancer cells with high levels of EGFR. It is different from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which target both cancer and healthy cells.
Fact Box of Erbitux 500mg InjectionMolecule name: Cetuximab | Therapeutic class: Antineoplastics |
Pharmacological class: Monoclonal antibody | Indications: 1. Metastatic cancer colorectal cancer 2. Squamous cell cancer head and neck |
