Erbitux (Cetuximab)

• How does it work ?
• What does it look like ?
• How is it given?
• Side effects
• Less common side effects
• Other information

How does it work ?

Doctors can now test your cancer to see if Erbitux will work for you.

As with other monoclonal antibodies, erbitux locks onto a protein on the surface of the cancer cell called the EGFRC (epidermal growth factor receptor) . EGFR controls cell growth, so it is thought that Erbitux stops the cancer cell from growing by attaching to the receptor EGFR. It is also thought that Erbitux makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

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What does it look like ?

Erbitux is a colourless liquid.

How is it given?

Erbitux is given into the vein via a plastic tube called a cannula. Usually your first dose of Erbitux is given more slowly so to reduce the chance of you having an allergic reaction. You may also receive other drugs before your Erbitux to help prevent this.

Side effects

It is difficult to predict whether or not you will get side effects from your Erbitux, and if so what ones. If you experience any changes that you think are related to Erbitux, it is important to discuss these with your doctor or nurse. If you are receiving Erbitux with chemotherapy, your doctor or nurse will explain which side effects are results of which drug.

During your first dose:

You will be closely monitored during your first infusion. Normally your first dose is given slowly. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of the following, trouble breathing, cough or wheeze, swollen or irritated feeling in your throat, tongue or nose, rash or itchy skin.
To reduce the chance of reactions, certain drugs can be given before the infusion, as mentioned previously. If you do have a reaction, the drip can be slowed down or stopped and restarted once you are feeling better.

Skin changes:

Erbitux can cause skin changes. These changes usually occur within two weeks of starting the treatment and normally disappear after treatment stops. Skin changes vary from person to person; they can include reddening of the skin, red spots or pimples on the face, flaky or scaly skin on the face or dry skin / eczema on the elbows or fingertips. If you have any skin changes, let your doctor or nurse know immediately, they will advise you of appropriate skin care and prescribe treatment if necessary.

Sore eyes:

Tell your doctor or nurse if your eyes become irritated in any way. Report redness, itchiness, swollen eyelids, and sensitivity to light or watery eyes.

Less common side effects:

Nail damage:

Some patients find the condition of their nails is affected. You may notice they become flaky, brittle, change colour or white lines appear across them. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you notice this so that they can best advise you to manage this problem and avoid it getting worse.

Shortness of breath:

You may find your breathing becomes a problem, this is more likely if you have a pre-existing lung problem. Discuss this with your doctor.

Nausea (feeling sick):

Your doctor can prescribe anti-sickness / anti-emetic drugs to stop you feeling sick or vomiting. Tell your doctor or nurse if these medicines are not working for you and they can change them.

Diarrhoea:

Report diarrhoea to your doctor or nurse. There are also medications available to control this. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you have diarrhoea.

Other effects:

It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you have any other symptoms that you think might be due to Erbitux.

Other information:

It is important to tell your doctor what other medications you are taking and if you have any allergies.
Inform your doctor if you have lung problems so that they can properly assess you for this treatment.

• If you or your partner are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor. It is advisable to avoid pregnancy while either of you are receiving Erbitux. Your doctor or nurse can discuss this with you more.
• Similarly it is recommended not to breastfeed while receiving Erbitux or for some time after. Discuss this with your doctor.
• It is important to take care of your skin while receiving Erbitux, avoid over exposing your skin to the sun and wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Remember Erbitux could make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

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