Erbitux 500 mg Infusion | 50 ml in 1 Bottle

Introduction of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

​Erbitux 500 mg Infusion is an anticancer medicine, which belongs to the class of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat different types of cancers such as bowel cancer that has spread (advanced bowel cancer) and head and neck cancers. Erbitux 500 mg Infusion helps to mark the cancer cells for destruction by the body's immune system.

​Erbitux 500 mg Infusion may cause some common adverse effects including, nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. You should inform your doctor if you experience sudden difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with heart, liver, and electrolyte levels. It makes your skin more sun-sensitive, take precautions while stepping out.

​Before taking Erbitux 500 mg Infusion, inform your physician if you have heart disease, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines will interact with Erbitux 500 mg Injection so let your doctor know all medications you are using. Erbitux 500 mg Infusion is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is advised for you to use effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

​Erbitux 500 mg Infusion is given by a qualified healthcare professional or nurse in the hospital or clinical setting. The doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.​

Uses of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

• Bowel cancer
  
• Head and Neck cancer

Benefits of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

​Bowel cancer: Cancer of the colon and rectum, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) or bowel cancer, is the development of cancer from two parts of the large intestine, namely, the colon or rectum. In this type of cancer, the person may notice symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel movements, weight loss, and fatigue. Erbitux 500 mg Infusion treats and also lowers the risk of developing further cancerous growths (polyps) and bowel cancer. It kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is an effective medicine, but has some bothersome side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.

​Head and Neck cancer: Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses or throat. Erbitux 500 mg Infusion kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Side Effects of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

​​​​​​​Like all medications, Erbitux 500 mg Infusion can cause side effects but do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.​​

Most Common Side Effects of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

• Eye pain
• Redness
• Puffy eyelids
• Rashes ( severe or acne like, rashes)
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Infection
• Headache
• Peripheral neuropathy
• fever

Common Side Effects of Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

• Breathing difficulty
• Hypokalemia ( low potassium level)
• Hypomagnesemia ( low magnesium level)
• Wheezing
• Throat pain
• ​Bone and joint pain
• Extreme Fatigue
  

How to Use Erbitux 500 mg Infusion?

​Erbitux 500 mg Infusion is administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. The specific dosing and administration of Erbitux 500 mg Injection will depend on the clinical condition of the patient's age and medical history, and other factors. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when using this medication.​

How Erbitux 500 mg Infusion Works?

​​Erbitux 500 mg Infusion is a monoclonal antibody. It specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein found on the surface of cells. The drug works by interfering with the EGFR signaling pathway that stimulates cancer cell growth and division. By blocking the EGFR pathway, Erbitux 500 mg Injection interferes with the signals that promote the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. This helps to slow down or halt the growth of tumors.​​

Safety Advices Erbitux 500 mg Infusion

Liver

Use with Caution

Breastfeeding

Unsafe

Alcohol

Unsafe

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Kidney

Safe

Driving

Unsafe

References

1. Cetuximab Injection, Medscape. Com, Avaliable Form

2. Cetuximab Injection, Medline Plus, Avaliable Form

3. Cetuximab Injection, Drugs.Com, Avaliable Form

4. Erbitux 5 Mg/Ml Solution for Infusion, Merck Healthcare Kgaa, Product Leaflet

5. Cetuximab (Erbitux), American Journal of Neuroradiology, Avaliable Form