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See related Erbitux infusion information |
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Manufacturer |
Merck Serono |
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Distributor |
Hong Kong: Zuellig/Macau: The Glory Medicina |
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Contents |
Cetuximab |
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Indications |
As a single agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- & irinotecan-based therapy & who are intolerant to irinotecan or in combination w/ chemotherapy for the treatment of patients w/ epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer. In combination w/ radiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head & neck. In combination w/ platinum-based chemotherapy for recurrent &/or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head & neck. As a single agent after failure of platinum-based therapy for the treatment of recurrent &/or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head & neck.
Click to view Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation |
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Dosage |
Prior to infusion, patients must receive premedication w/ an antihistamine & a corticosteroid. Initial dose: 400 mg/m2 over 120 min on 1st wk. Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m2 over 60 min once wkly. Max infusion rate: 10 mg/min.
Click to view Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation |
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Overdosage |
View Erbitux overdosage for action to be taken in the event of an overdose. |
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Contraindications |
Known severe (grade 3 or 4; NCI-CTC) hypersensitivity reactions to cetuximab.
Click to view Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation |
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Special Precautions |
Monitor for infusion-related reactions. Patient w/ reduced performance status & preexisting cardiopulmonary disease. Discontinue if interstitial lung disease is diagnosed. Interrupt treatment in case of severe skin reactions (grade 3; NCI-CTC). Monitor serum electrolyte levels. Combination w/ platinum-based chemotherapy increases risk of severe neutropenia which may lead to infectious complications eg febrile neutropenia, pneumonia or sepsis. Pregnancy & lactation.
Click to view Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation |
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Adverse Drug Reactions |
Mild or moderate infusion-related reactions eg fever, chills, dizziness or dyspnoea; mild to moderate mucositis, increase in liver enzyme levels; skin reactions mainly as acne-like rash; headache; conjunctivitis; diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting; dehydration, hypocalcaemia, anorexia; fatigue.
View ADR Monitoring Form |
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Drug Interactions |
[Click for Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation]
View more drug interactions with Erbitux |
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Pregnancy Category (US FDA) |
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. |
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Caution For Usage |
For caution against possible variation of physical aspect of medicine... click to view Erbitux detailed prescribing infomation |
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Storage |
View Erbitux storage conditions for details to ensure optimal shelf-life. |
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Description |
View Erbitux description for details of the chemical structure and excipients (inactive components). |
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Mechanism of Action |
View Erbitux mechanism of action for pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics details. |
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ATC Classification |
L01XC06 - cetuximab ; Belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies, other antineoplastic agents. Used in the treatment of cancer. |
