panitumumab Health Article

Generic name(s):

panitumumab

Brand name(s):

Vectibix

What is the most important information I should know about panitumumab?

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be able to receive panitumumab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Panitumumab may cause severe skin problems such as acne, itching, redness, skin rash, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing, and swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails. This medication can also cause redness or irritation of your eyes or eyelids. More severe forms of skin problems can lead to widespread infection and possibly death. Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash.

Some people receiving a panitumumab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, short of breath, or if you have a fever or chills during the injection.

The side effects of panitumumab may not appear when you first start using the medication. Severe skin or eye reactions may occur up to 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. These effects may not clear up for weeks or even months after you stop receiving panitumumab.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Panitumumab can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

This medication may affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). You may also have irregular menstrual periods while receiving panitumumab.

What is panitumumab?

Panitumumab is a cancer medication. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in your body.

Panitumumab is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed after treatment with other chemotherapy.

Panitumumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving panitumumab?

This medication may cause severe skin problems such as acne, itching, redness, skin rash, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing, and swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails. More severe forms of skin problems can lead to widespread infection and possibly death. Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to panitumumab.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be able to receive panitumumab, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether panitumumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication may affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). You may also have irregular menstrual periods while receiving panitumumab.

How is panitumumab given?

Panitumumab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Before you receive this medication, you may need to undergo a biopsy to make sure panitumumab is the right medication to treat your cancer.

Panitumumab is usually given once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your panitumumab injection.