harmacist for their Consumer Medicine Information.
Do not have ERBITUX if the expiry date printed on the pack has passed.
The nurse or hospital pharmacist will check the expiry date before giving ERBITUX to you.
Do not have ERBITUX if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
The nurse will check this for you.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about any of the above.
Before you start treatment with ERBITUX
Before receiving the first dose, you should be given anti-allergy medicines (an antihistamine and a corticosteroid) to minimise the chances of an allergic reaction. Pre-treatment with an antihistamine and a corticosteroid is also recommended for the following weekly doses.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
ERBITUX is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Make sure you maintain adequate contraception during treatment and for two months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed during this time.
You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose.
If it is necessary for you to have ERBITUX, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of having it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you have, or have had, any medical conditions, especially the following:
abnormal blood test results
liver problems
kidney problems
This is because ERBITUX has been tested only in patients with adequate liver and kidney function, and in those without blood disorders.
heart problems
lung problems
eye problems.
Your doctor may want to take special care if you have any of the above conditions.
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start receiving ERBITUX.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket, herbal or health food shop.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while using ERBITUX.
If your doctor is giving you other medicines, such as chemotherapy, with ERBITUX, he/she will discuss with you the benefits and risks involved.
ERBITUX must not be mixed with any other injections.
A separate infusion line must be used to give you any other injection.
How to use ERBITUX
How much to use
Your doctor will calculate the correct dose of ERBITUX for you because it depends on your body surface area (a measurement based on your height and weight).
The first dose is 400 mg per square metre of body surface area and the injection is given over a period of approximately 2 hours.
The following weekly doses of 250 mg per square metre are infused over a period of approximately 1 hour.
How to use ERBITUX
A doctor experienced in the use of medicines for cancer will supervise your treatment with ERBITUX. Trained nurses will administer ERBITUX to you.
ERBITUX is usually given once a week by intravenous infusion (slow injection into a vein).
ERBITUX may be administered either diluted or undiluted. Your doctor will determine the correct dose and dilution for you. If you are being treated with a chemotherapy medicine in combination with ERBITUX, the chemotherapy medicine can only be started 1 hour after the end of the ERBITUX infusion.
How long to use ERBITUX for
Your doctor will decide |
