Is Erbitux a chemotherapy drug?

Cetuximab is the generic name for the trade name drug Erbitux®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Erbitux® or other name C225 when referring to the generic drug name Cetuximab. Drug type: Cetuximab is an anti-cancer (“anti-neoplastic”) targeted therapy.

What is Erbitux used for?

Cetuximab is used to treat a certain type of cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. This medication is also used to treat head and neck cancer. Cetuximab works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How do you administer Erbitux?

Erbitux 5 mg/mL is administered intravenously with an infusion pump, gravity drip or a syringe pump (for handling instructions, see section 6.6). The initial dose should be given slowly and speed of infusion must not exceed 5 mg/min (see section 4.4). The recommended infusion period is 120 minutes.

Does Erbitux cause neuropathy?

You may lose some feeling or have tingling or burning in your hands and/or feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy. This may increase with continued treatment.

Is cetuximab chemo or immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as avelumab and cetuximab, may help the body’s immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

How often is cetuximab given?

It binds to a certain protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR) in some tumors. Cetuximab is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody). HOW TO USE: Cetuximab is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once every week or every 2 weeks by a healthcare professional.

How long do side effects of Erbitux last?

Skin reactions: In most people, this will present as an acne like rash and will develop within the first 2 weeks of therapy. The rash can last up to 28 days after stopping treatment with cetuximab. Other rash symptoms may include skin peeling, redness, inflammation, and itchy and dry skin.