Erbitux (Cetuximab)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Product Details
Description
Erbitux (cetuximab) is a medication that is administered intravenously (IV) to treat head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer.
Directions
A qualified healthcare provider will administer Erbitux via an IV infusion. Your doctor may prescribe premedications to help prevent infusion reactions.
Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Erbitux is cetuximab.
Contraindications
According to the most recent Erbitux Prescribing Information, there are no contraindications.
Cautions
- Erbitux contains the following FDA Boxed Warning:
- Infusion reactions that are serious and fatal can be caused by Erbitux. If serious infusion reactions occur, Erbitux should be immediately interrupted and permanently discontinued.
- Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving Erbitux with radiation therapy or a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil have had cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death. Electrolytes, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium levels in the blood, should be monitored during and after administration of Erbitux.
- Before you start Erbitux therapy, talk to your doctor about:
- All the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Your allergies
- Your current health problems and past medical history
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Erbitux contains the following warnings and precautions:
- Infusion reactions with signs and symptoms that include airway obstruction, low blood pressure, shock, loss of consciousness, heart attack, and/or cardiac arrest. Patients who have had tick bites, red meat allergies, or IgE antibodies against galactose-a-1,3-galactose may be at increased risk for anaphylactic reactions. Premedication with an antihistamine is recommended.
- Cardiopulmonary arrest; electrolytes, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium levels in the blood, should be monitored during and after administration of Erbitux.
- Pulmonary toxicity (interstitial lung disease); patients should be monitored for pulmonary signs and symptoms.
- Dermatologic toxicity, including acneiform rash, dry skin and fissuring, inflammation around the nails, infectious sequelae (for example, sepsis, development of abscess, cellulitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis/ulcerative keratitis with reduced visual acuity, cheilitis), and hypertrichosis can occur. Patients should be monitored and advised to limit exposure to the sun during Erbitux therapy.
- Risks related to the use of Erbitux with radiation and cisplatin, including mucositis, radiation recall syndrome, acneiform rash, heart events, and electrolyte disturbances may be increased.
- Low blood magnesium levels and other electrolyte abnormalities can occur.
- Increased tumor progression and mortality or lack of benefit in patients with Ras-Mutant mCRC
- Harm to an unborn baby; females with reproductive capability should be advised to use effective contraception during Erbitux treatment and for 2 months after completing the final dose of treatment.
- Breastfeeding is not advised.
Side Effects
Weakness, fever, headache, chills, infusion reactions, infection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, weight loss, dehydration, elevated liver enzymes, sore throat, acneiform rash, radiation dermatitis, application site reactions, and itchiness are possible Erbitux side effects; however, other side effects can also occur.
Tell your doctor right away if you have side effects that bother you or won’t go away.
Ask your doctor about whether Erbitux is right for you.
Reference
- Erbitux. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2021.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 12207
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