Erbitux is an antineoplastic for injectable use, which helps to stop the growth of cancer cells. This medicine can only be used as directed by a doctor and is for hospital use only.
This medication is usually applied to a vein by a nurse once a week to control the development of cancer.
Indications
This medication is recommended for the treatment of colon cancer, rectal cancer, head cancer and neck cancer.
How to use
Erbitux is applied through an injection into the vein administered by the nurse at the hospital. Generally, to control the development of the tumor, it is applied once a week, in most cases the initial dose is 400 mg of cetuximab per m² of body surface and all subsequent weekly doses are 250 mg of cetuximab per m² each.
In addition, careful monitoring is required during the entire administration of the medicine and up to 1 hour after application. Before the infusion, other medications such as antihistamine and a corticosteroid should be given at least 1 hour before cetuximab is administered.
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 white blood cells, dehydration, weight loss, 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 contraindicated in pregnancy, during breastfeeding and hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug.
