Erbitux is an antineoplastic for injectable use, which helps stop the growth of cancer cells. This medicine can only be used as directed by your doctor and is for hospital use only.
Generally, this medicine is given into the vein by a nurse once a week to control the development of cancer.
Indications
This medicine is recommended for the treatment of colon cancer, rectal cancer, head cancer and neck cancer.
Mode of Use
Erbitux is given through a vein injection administered by the nurse in the hospital. Generally, to control the development of the tumor is applied once a week, in most cases the starting dose is 400 mg cetuximab per m² body surface and all subsequent weekly doses are 250 mg cetuximab per m² each .
In addition, careful monitoring is required throughout the administration of the drug and within 1 hour after application. Before the infusion, other medications such as antihistamine and a corticosteroid should be given at least 1 hour prior to administration of cetuximab.
Side effects
Some side effects of using this medication include bloating, abdominal pain, poor appetite, constipation, poor digestion, difficulty swallowing, mucositis, nausea, inflammation in the mouth, vomiting, dry mouth, anemia, decreased blood leukocytes, dehydration, loss of weight, back pain, conjunctivitis, hair loss, skin rash, nail problems, itching, radiation skin allergy, cough, shortness of breath, weakness, depression, fever, headache, insomnia, chills, infection and pain.
Contraindications
The use of this medication is contrainidicado in the pregnancy, during the breastfeeding and hypersensitivity to some of the components of the drug.
