Drugs & Medications

Vectibix Vial

GENERIC NAME(S): Panitumumab

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WARNINGS:

Panitumumab has caused very serious skin reactions, which can sometimes lead to serious infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any signs of a skin reaction, including acne, mild rash/itching, warmth/redness/swelling of the skin (including around the nails), dry/flaking skin, or skin sores (especially with pus). Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of a serious infection (such as sepsis), including fever, fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), or signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain type of cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum that has spread to other parts of the body. Panitumumab is a man-made protein (monoclonal antibody) that binds to a certain protein (epidermal growth factor receptor-EGFR). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How to use Vectibix Vial

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is usually given every 14 days or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your weight and response to treatment.

What conditions does Vectibix Vial treat?

Side Effects

Precautions

Before receiving panitumumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonitis), low magnesium/calcium blood levels.

Sunlight may worsen any skin reactions that may occur while you are receiving this drug. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using panitumumab. Panitumumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 2 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this medication and for 2 months after the end of treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Vectibix Vial to children or the elderly?

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Does Vectibix Vial interact with other medications?

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Certain laboratory tests may be performed before giving panitumumab to check for the EGFR protein in your tumor.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as magnesium/calcium levels) should be performed before you start treatment, periodically during treatment and for 8 weeks after completion of treatment to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.