Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml

Description

About

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is used to treat certain types of cancers such as those of head and neck, colon (large intestine), and rectum. Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is used in combination with radiation therapy or a platinum-based cancer medicine (fluorouracil) to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that has either spread to different parts of the body (metastasized) or has returned (recurrent type).

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is available in liquid form that is injected into the patient’s vein (intravenously) by a trained health care professional or a nurse in a medically equipped facility. Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is infused at a slower rate for 2hrs.

Dosage of Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is entirely dependent upon the severity of the condition and any side effects felt by the patient, therefore, each patient has a different dose customized to fit their needs best by a doctor. Certain side effects such as soreness on the injection site, headaches, and dizziness tend to resolve on their own in a few days.

Indications

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is used for:

• Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.
• Recurrent and metastatic cancers of head and neck following platinum-based chemotherapy.
• Colon and Rectal cancers.

How Does Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml Work:

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is an Antineoplastic monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml binds to a specific protein present both on normal cells and cancerous cells called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). 

How To Use Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml: 

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is available in liquid/injectable form, the anesthetic is administered into a patient’s vein (intravenously) by a trained healthcare professional or nurse usually once every week or in 2 weeks.

• Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is usually given in combination with other medicines to treat various types of metastatic colorectal cancers.
• Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml may cause life-threatening side effects so it is given under the supervision of a healthcare professional (at least for the 1st hour of infusion).
• Drugs such as diphenhydramine might be given before giving Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml to lessen the possible side effects.
• Avoid shaking or diluting Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml.
• Discard the remaining unused Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml (after 12hr if refrigerated or 8hr at room temperature)

Dosage

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is available in solution form.

Form and strength:

 100mg/20ml (single use vials)

Adult dosage:

1)For squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

In combination with radiation therapy:

• An initial dose of 400mg/m2 over 120 min intravenously, one week before the start of the radiation therapy.
• A subsequent dose of 250mg/m2 over 60mins intravenously, for every week during the 

           radiation therapy.   

As a single agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil:

 Weekly dosage:

              – Initial dose of 400mg/m2 over 120 min intravenously.

              – subsequent dose of 250mg/m2 over 60mins intravenously, for every week

  Biweekly dosage:

           –  Initial dose and subsequent dose of 500mg/m2 over 120 min Intravenously (every 2 

                 weeks). 

2) For cancers of the colon and rectum

As a single agent or in combination with irinotecan or Folfiri:

        Weekly dosage:

                – Initial dose of 400mg/m2 over 120 min intravenously:

                – subsequent dose of 250mg/m2 over 60mins intravenously, for every week

        Biweekly dosage:

                 – Initial dose and subsequent dose of 500mg/m2 over 120 min Intravenously (every 2 weeks). 

Child dosage:

There is no relevant use of Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml in children.

Elderly dosage:

The dosage for patients aged 75 years and below is mostly the same as the adult dosage but the experience is limited in people above 75 years of age.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is not recommended to be prescribed to pregnant women as it may harm the unborn baby. It is advisable to take birth control (such as contraceptive pills or condoms) during the treatment and 2 months after the treatment.

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml passes into breast milk in trace amounts so it is not recommended to breastfeed during the treatment and 2 months at the end of the treatment. 

Contraindications

Before using Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml, consult your doctor if you have a medical history of any of the following:

• Allergic to Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml and its contents, or any food product (such as pork, beef, etc).
• Heart disease (such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure)
• Lung diseases (such as asthma)
• Tick bites
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions before using {{product}:

• Avoid using alcohol or marijuana while taking this drug as it makes you drowsy.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight as it can worsen the skin reactions following the use of Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml. Use sunscreens when outdoors.
• Consult your doctor immediately as Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml may cause serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, chest pain, fainting, etc which can be a sign of serious lung problems.
• Talk to your doctor if planning pregnancy before using Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml as it may cause infertility in some women.

Interactions With Other Medications

Consult your doctor about the use of the following medicines before using Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml:

• Esomeprazole
• Cisplatin
• Lansoprazole
• Aminolevilunic acid
• Thalidomide
• Omeprazole
• methoxsalen

This document does not contain all probable drug reactions, it is advisable to keep a list of medicines in use and discuss it with your doctor ( this includes prescription/nonprescription and herbal products). 

Adverse Effects

Rare Adverse Effects

Because Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml may induce serious and fatal infusion responses followed by cardiac collapse, the following side effects may require rapid attention and report to your doctor.    

• Cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath getting worse;     

• Difficulty or labored breathing
• Fever and chills
• Body aches and pain
• Unusual bleeding/bruising
• Skin reactions such as swelling of the face and lips, skin rash, itching, and hives.
• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fever and chills
• Difficulty in passing urine or change in its amount.
• redness/ eye itching
• mouth/throat sores

Common Adverse Effects

Following side effects may not require immediate medical attention until becomes troublesome:

• Diarrhea/constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Nail changes
• Stomach upset
• Nausea /vomiting
• Skin changes such as acne, dryness, or skin cracks.

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

• Dry Mouth- Can be helped by sipping water throughout the day, chewing sugarless gum, and using alcohol-free mouthwash, allowing ice to melt in the mouth, or using a saliva substitute.
• Fatigue- Patients experiencing this adverse effect are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
• Muscular Aches And Pains- A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. 
• Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Premedication may be required to prevent extreme nausea and vomiting. It is advisable to avoid eating before taking treatment. Eating in small portions several times a day may also help to decrease the side effects.
• Skin Rash- can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream. Apply a cold compress to the rash to help reduce itchiness and redness caused by the rash. An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.

Key Facts About Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml

• Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is an Antineoplastic monoclonal antibody 
• Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is given to the patient’s vein or muscle by a healthcare professional
• Tests are performed to check the presence of EGFR protein on tumor cells before starting treatment with Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml
• Adjunct laboratory tests are performed during and after the treatment to check for the side effects and electrolytes levels (calcium, magnesium, potassium levels for up to 8 weeks after the end of the last dose).

FAQs

• What is Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml composed off?

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is composed of Cetuximab as an active ingredient.

• How to store Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is not stored at home and is given in a medically equipped facility hence not applicable.

• Can i take Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml during my pregnancy?

No, Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml is considered unsafe during pregnancy.

• Is it safe to have Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml along with oral contraceptives?

Yes Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml can be taken with oral contraceptives since it is extremely unsafe to plan a pregnancy while using this medication and it is advisable to avoid becoming pregnant during the treatment and for up to 2months after the last infusion dose.

• What if I overdose while receiving Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Immediately seek medical help in case of overdose as it may cause serious symptoms such as fainting and difficulty in breathing.

• What if I miss a dose of Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml should be taken as per schedule but in case of the missed dose, consult your doctor for a new appointment.

• Why must I protect my skin from the sun while taking Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Treatment with Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml may lead to the skin becoming sensitive to sun damage and it is therefore recommended to patients wear sunscreen at all times, along with hats and gloves whenever possible to protect themselves from sun damage.

• Can I consume alcohol with Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Alcohol is known to make people dizzy, thus when combined with medication, it might cause significant dizziness. It’s recommended to stay away from alcohol while you’re getting therapy.

• Can I drive after taking this medication?

This medication is known to make you dizzy hence if that happens kindly avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery.

• What dietary instructions are to be followed when using Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

This drug causes extreme nausea and vomiting in some cases so It is advisable to avoid eating before taking treatment. Eating in small portions several times a day or limiting activity may also help to decrease the side effects.

• What If I get a cold or flu during treatment with Erbitux 100mg Injection 20 ml?

Avoid self-treatment in case of chills, fever, sore throat, or any other symptoms of cold and flu, and consult your doctor. This medication decreases your immunity (ability to fight an infection), so it is advisable to avoid being around people who are sick.