Panitumumab
About
Panitumumab belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used alone or with other anticancer medicines to treat wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a type of cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other areas of the body.
Panitumumab contains Panitumumab, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. As a result, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Panitumumab will be administered under the supervision of a physician qualified by training and an experienced oncologist. The most frequent side effects of Panitumumab when taken with other chemotherapy medications include diarrhea, paronychia (nail inflammation), fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea; stomatitis (oral mucosal inflammation and redness), mucosal inflammation, asthenia (abnormal physical weakness), anorexia, hypomagnesemia (an electrolyte disturbance), hypokalemia, rash, skin rash, itchiness, and dry skin.
Notify your doctor of any food or medication allergies or hypersensitivity reactions before taking the Panitumumab. Panitumumab may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Before beginning treatment, discuss effective contraception with your healthcare professional. Inform them immediately if you or your partner become pregnant while undergoing therapy. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking panitumumab.
Uses of Panitumumab
Medicinal Benefits
Panitumumab contains Panitumumab, a monoclonal antibody. It is used alone or in conjunction with other anticancer medications to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). It 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 Panitumumab
- Paronychia (nail inflammation)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomatitis (inflammation and redness of the oral mucosa)
- Mucosal inflammation
- Asthenia (abnormal physical weakness)
- Anorexia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Hypokalemia
- Rash
- Skin rash
- Pruritus
- Feeling sick
- Dry skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Panitumumab, inform your doctor about your medical history and ongoing therapies to rule out potential adverse effects or interactions. The dosage of this medicine will be based on your health condition. Your doctor may adjust your dose during therapy based on the treatment results. Panitumumab may cause infusion reactions, interstitial lung disease (ILD), ocular toxicity, and dermatologic or soft tissue toxicity. Hence, inform the doctor immediately if you suffer any side effects. If therapy needs to be stopped, your doctor will make that decision. Panitumumab is recommended not to be used in pregnant women. Therefore, if you become pregnant while on treatment with Panitumumab, tell your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking panitumumab. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with this medicine. Drive only if alert, as the Panitumumab may cause nausea or tiredness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Panitumumab may interact with certain medications used to treat actinic keratoses (e.g. aminolevulinic acid), antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. amiodarone, dronedarone), anti-cancer medications (e.g. bevacizumab) and antipsychotic drug (e.g. ziprasidone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Panitumumab may interact with disease conditions, including dermatologic toxicities, ocular infection (eye infection), pulmonary impairment, liver disease, renal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, electrolyte abnormalities, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), heart disease, magnesium imbalance.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol while on treatment with Panitumumab.
Pregnancy
unsafePanitumumab 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 for at least two months from the last dose of medicine to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not breastfeed your baby during the period over which you are being treated with Panitumumab and for two months after the last dose.
Driving
cautionPanitumumab will be administered to hospitalized patients. Hence, driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Panitumumab. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Panitumumab.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Panitumumab. Your doctor may titrate the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Panitumumab in children have not been established.
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 best 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 a proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yogurt, 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 improve 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 foods, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to check your body's response to Panitumumab.
- Pregnancy testing is recommended prior to starting treatment with Panitumumab.
- Do not donate sperm throughout treatment and at least two months after treatment.
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 colorectal cancer (mCRC): Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Metastasis means that the cancer cells have spread beyond the colon to other organs. This is also referred to as advanced colon cancer or stage IV colon cancer.
FAQs
Panitumumab contains Panitumumab, which works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Thus, it prevents the cancer from spreading.
Attend all your doctor's appointments while receiving Panitumumab to ensure the therapy is effective. Regular blood tests and weight checks must be performed. While taking the Panitumumab, both men and women should use an effective means of contraception. Do not use any other medications unless prescribed by the doctor.
Magnesium and calcium levels in the blood may significantly fall as a result of Panitumumab. Laboratory testing may be recommended by your doctor both before and during treatment.
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).
