Cancer Drug Erbitux
The cancer drug Erbitux is a cancer drug that is used to treat colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is a monoclonal antibody that works to inhibit the growth of cancer cells so that they cannot grow larger and cause colorectal cancer to metastasize. Monoclonal antibodies are substances that are naturally produced by the immune system to combat viruses, bacteria, and toxins. These substances destroy foreign substances that cause infections and other medical conditions. Researchers are able to create monoclonal antibodies that work on specific antigens, which means that this type of drug can work better and cause fewer side effects.
Erbitux FDA Approval
Erbitux FDA approval was given so that cancer drug Erbitux can be used to treat patients with advanced cancer of the colon and rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. In the Erbitux FDA approval letter, the Food and Drug Administration outlines appropriate usage of the drug as intravenous use in combination with the drug irinotecan. The FDA has also approved this drug for use alone if patients are unable to take irinotecan due to allergies or adverse reactions.
Cancer Drug Erbitux Warnings and Precautions
Cancer drug Erbitrux can cause some adverse effects, so it is important that patients understand the precautions they need to take. Severe side effects of Erbitux can include severe reactions that cause difficulty breathing, swollen skin, and low blood pressure. Another one of the side effects of Erbitux is an increased risk of cardiac arrest and death if the Erbitux is given in combination with radiation therapy. Erbitux is also known to cause interstitial lung disease and skin reactions that can cause cracking, drying, and rashes of the skin.
Other severeside effects of Erbitux include lung disease, infections in the blood, kidney failure, fever, diarrhea, pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in the lung), dehydration, mouth sores, and confusion. Patients need to be careful about how much sun exposure they receive while they are taking the cancer drug Erbitux. Sunscreen and protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves should be worn if someone on Erbitux is going to be in the sun for more than a few minutes.
Side Effects of Erbitux
In addition to the severe effects of Erbitux listed above, some of the more common side effects of Erbitux include a rash that resembles acne, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Even if you expect some of these symptoms, you should report them to your doctor so they can be recorded in your medical record. Your doctor may also be able to provide you with medication or other treatments that can help lessen the severity of these symptoms.
References on Cancer Drug Erbitux
Food and Drug Administration. Patient Information Sheet: Cetuximab (Marketed as Erbitux). Retrieved March 31, 2009.