Panitumumab is used to treat a certain type of metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed after treatment with other chemotherapy.
Panitumumab is used only if your tumor is a wild-type RAS tumor, for which your doctor will test.
Panitumumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Panitumumab (Vectibix) used for?
- Colorectal Cancer
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Panitumumab (Vectibix)?
You should not use panitumumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- lung disease, breathing problems;
- an ulcer on the cornea of your eye (keratitis); or
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood).
Panitumumab may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using panitumumab, and for at least 2 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You may have irregular menstrual periods while receiving panitumumab.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
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Side Effects
What are the side effects of Panitumumab (Vectibix)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, chilled, feverish, or have chest tightness or trouble breathing.
Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash. Panitumumab may cause severe skin problems that can lead to widespread infection and possibly death.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, feeling short of breath;
- redness, swelling, or irritation of your eyes or eyelids, vision changes;
- swelling in your face;
- low potassium level–leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;
- dehydration symptoms–feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin;
- signs of a kidney problem–little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or
- skin problems–severe or worsening acne, swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails, skin itching, redness, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- acne, dry skin, rash, itching;
- swelling or irritation around your fingernails or toenails;
- loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea;
- blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
- tired feeling, weakness; or
- low potassium.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Panitumumab (Vectibix) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Panitumumab may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using panitumumab, and for at least 2 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
You may have irregular menstrual periods while receiving panitumumab.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Panitumumab (Vectibix)?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Panitumumab can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) during treatment and for at least 2 months you after stop receiving panitumumab
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Panitumumab (Vectibix)?
Use Panitumumab (Vectibix) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor may perform a biopsy to make sure panitumumab is the right treatment for your cancer.
Panitumumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Panitumumab must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 90 minutes to complete.
Panitumumab is usually given once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while using panitumumab. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte disorders, or kidney failure.
You may need frequent blood tests. Your skin and vision may also need to be checked.
Panitumumab can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests for up to 8 weeks after you stop using this medicine.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your panitumumab injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Panitumumab (Vectibix)?
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