Cetuximab
About
Cetuximab belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used with or without radiation therapy to treat various cancer conditions, such as metastatic cancer of the large intestine and squamous cell cancer (a certain type of head and neck cancer). Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues.
Cetuximab contains Cetuximab, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. As a result, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Cetuximab will be administered by a qualified healthcare professional who is experienced in the administration of chemotherapeutic agents. The most common side effects are inflammation of the lining of the intestine, mouth, and nose, nose bleeding, headache, tiredness, irritation and redness of the eye, diarrhoea, feeling sick, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
It is recommended not to use if you are allergic to any ingredient in Cetuximab. Cetuximab may cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. It is critical not to become pregnant while undergoing therapy and for several months after the treatment. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner becomes pregnant while undergoing therapy. Do not breastfeed your baby while on treatment with Cetuximab and for two months after the last dose. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Drive only if you are alert, as the Cetuximab may cause you to feel sick or tired.
If you have head and neck cancer and are treated with radiation therapy with cetuximab, you may be at an elevated risk of cardiopulmonary arrest (when the heart stops beating and respiration stops) and sudden death during or after treatment. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had coronary artery disease (a condition in which the blood vessels of the heart narrow or become clogged by fat or cholesterol deposits); heart failure (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body); irregular heartbeat; other heart disease; or lower than normal levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium in your blood.
Uses of Cetuximab
Medicinal Benefits
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody. It is used alone or in combination with other anticancer medications to treat various cancer diseases, including metastatic cancer of the large intestine and squamous cell cancer (a form of head and neck cancer). Cetuximab is present in Cetuximab and works by slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells. As a result, it inhibits the cancer from spreading.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetuximab
- Injection site reactions
- Nose bleeding
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight decrease
- Irritation and redness of the eye
- Inflammation of the lining of the intestine, mouth, and nose
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Cetuximab, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions. It's crucial to take your medication as directed. The dosage of this medicine is based on your condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose during therapy based on the treatment results. Consult a doctor immediately if you suffer any symptoms, especially if you also have a cough or fever, such as the onset or worsening of breathing problems. If therapy needs to be stopped, your doctor will make that decision. Cetuximab is recommended not to be used in pregnant women or nursing mothers; if you become pregnant while on treatment with Cetuximab, tell your doctor right away.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cetuximab may interact with certain medications used to treat actinic keratoses (e.g. aminolevulinic acid) and anti-cancer medications (e.g. thalidomide)
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cetuximab may interact with disease conditions, including hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), magnesium imbalance, hypersensitivity reactions to drugs, ocular infection (eye infection), pulmonary impairment, fever, and cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), congestive heart failure and qt prolongation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Cetuximab as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeCetuximab is not recommended for use during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with Cetuximab.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not breastfeed your baby when you are being treated with Cetuximab and for two months after the last dose.
Driving
cautionDrive only if alert, as the Cetuximab may cause feeling sick or tiredness.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Cetuximab. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Cetuximab. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedCetuximab can be used to treat certain cancers in children. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After your treatment begins, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving both physical and mental health.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
Do not skip any scheduled doctor or lab appointments.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cancer: Cancer is a genetic change in which the body's cells divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are two types of cancer: benign (localized) and metastatic (spread to the whole body). Types of cancer include blood, lung, breast, etc. Cancer growth can be prevented by chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell therapy.
Metastatic cancer: Metastasis occurs when cancer cells move from the colon to other organs. This is also known as stage IV colon cancer or advanced colon cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer: Cancers of the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, nose, and salivary glands are among the head and neck cancers. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, excessive alcohol consumption, and tobacco use all raise the risk of head and neck cancer.
FAQs
Cetuximab contains Cetuximab, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Thereby, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Attend all your doctor's appointments while taking Cetuximab to ensure the therapy is effective. Regular blood tests and weight checks must be performed. While taking the Cetuximab, both men and women should use an effective means of contraception. Do not use any other medications unless prescribed by the doctor. If you have low levels of Magnesium and Calcium in your blood, inform your doctor before treating you with this medicine.
Do not stop taking Cetuximab on your own. Take Cetuximab for as long as your doctor prescribes it, depending on your medical condition. Do not miss any scheduled dose. Speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty using Cetuximab.
Some dietary changes can help you manage side effects; for example, in case of diarrhoea-Choose foods or drinks with sodium (sports drinks or broth) and potassium (bananas and all-natural fruit juices).
