Erbitux 500mg Infusion
By Erbitux
Rx
50ml Infusion in a Bottle

Composition
Cetuximab(500mg)

Manufacturer - Merck Ltd
L-2, J.R. Complex, Gate No. 4, Village Mandoli, Delhi-110 093, India

Expires on or after
July, 2026
About Erbitux 500mg Infusion
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is a medication used in the management of head and neck cancer, as well as cancer of the colon and rectum. It works by marking the cancer cells in a way that facilitates their destruction by the body's immune system. This infusion is administered as an injection under the careful supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and frequency of administration based on your specific medical condition, which may change over time. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions precisely to avoid serious side effects, as taking the medication incorrectly or in excess can be harmful. Do not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor first.
Common side effects associated with Erbitux 500mg Infusion include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. If these side effects are bothersome or become severe, it is important to inform your doctor. There may be strategies available to help reduce or prevent these side effects. Additionally, it is essential to seek medical attention if you experience sudden difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor your blood cells, heart, liver, and electrolyte levels while using this medication. It is important to note that Erbitux infusion can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so precautions should be taken when going outside to protect your skin.
Prior to initiating treatment with Erbitux 500mg Infusion, inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, kidney problems, are taking medications for infections, or have any other underlying health conditions. Many other medications can interact with Erbitux, so it is crucial to disclose all the medications you are currently taking to your healthcare team. This medication is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and both males and females undergoing treatment should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy.
Benefits
Erbitux 500mg Infusion offers significant benefits for individuals battling head and neck cancer as well as cancer of the colon and rectum. This powerful medicine works by killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, ultimately impeding their ability to multiply. In head and neck cancer cases, Erbitux helps prevent the spread of cancer cells, making it a crucial treatment option. Meanwhile, for those dealing with colorectal cancer, Erbitux not only treats the existing cancerous growth but also reduces the risk of developing additional growths and bowel cancer. It is important to note that while Erbitux is effective in combating cancer, it is also a potent and toxic medication. Patients are advised to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Furthermore, individuals undergoing treatment with Erbitux are recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking, and to stay hydrated by consuming plenty of water. Despite the potential side effects associated with this medication, the ability of Erbitux to halt the progression of cancer and enhance overall prognosis makes it a valuable asset in the fight against these types of cancer.
How to use the Erbitux 500mg Infusion
To use Erbitux 500mg Infusion, it is important to have your doctor or nurse administer the medicine to you. This medication should not be self-administered. Allow the healthcare professional to handle the infusion process to ensure it is done correctly and safely. Follow their instructions carefully and ask any questions you may have about the procedure. It is important to trust the expertise of your healthcare provider when it comes to administering Erbitux 500mg Infusion.
Uses of Erbitux 500mg Infusion
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is commonly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer, as well as cancer of the colon and rectum. It is specifically formulated to target these types of cancers and is administered through infusion. This medication is prescribed by healthcare professionals as part of a treatment plan to help manage and reduce the growth of cancer cells in these areas. By targeting the cancer cells, Erbitux 500mg Infusion aims to slow down the progression of the disease and improve the patient's overall quality of life. It is an important option for individuals facing these types of cancer, providing hope and potential relief in their battle against the disease.
What conditions Erbitux 500mg Infusion treats?
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is used to treat head and neck cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat. It works by marking cancer cells for destruction by the body's immune system. For colon and rectum cancer, Erbitux is effective in treating and reducing the risk of further cancer growth. Common side effects include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. It is important to follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully and inform them of any concerning symptoms. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided during treatment. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Should you consult a doctor?
It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience sudden difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, or chills while on Erbitux 500mg Infusion. Additionally, inform your doctor if common side effects such as nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash bother you or become severe. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor blood cells, heart, liver, and electrolyte levels. Given that this medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, take precautions when going outside. Consult your doctor before taking Erbitux if you have heart or kidney issues, or are using medications for infections. Effective contraception is vital during treatment to prevent pregnancy, as this medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Be vigilant about any side effects and consult your healthcare provider if you are concerned about them persisting.
Side effects of Erbitux 500mg Infusion
When using Erbitux 500mg Infusion, there are some potential side effects that may occur. These side effects are typically mild and may go away as your body gets used to the medication. However, it is important to consult your doctor if the side effects persist or if you are concerned about them. Possible side effects of Erbitux 500mg Infusion include nausea, headache, vomiting, conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), skin rash, diarrhea, infusion reactions, decreased magnesium levels in the blood, and increased liver enzymes. If you experience any of these side effects, it is recommended to seek medical attention and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Safety advice

liver
Caution should be exercised when using Erbitux 500mg Infusion in patients with liver disease. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate course of action. Limited information is currently available regarding the use of Erbitux 500mg Infusion in individuals with liver issues, so thorough medical advice is advised in such cases.

kidney
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is likely safe for patients with kidney disease. Data indicates dose adjustment may not be necessary. Consult your doctor for guidance.

alcohol
It is not known if it is safe to drink alcohol while using Erbitux 500mg Infusion. Consult your doctor for advice.

driving
Erbitux 500mg Infusion may have side effects that can impact your driving ability.

pregnancy
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is likely not safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies indicate potential harm to the developing baby. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks before prescribing. Kindly consult your doctor.

breastfeeding
Erbitux 500mg Infusion is not recommended during breastfeeding as it may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby. It is advisable to consult your doctor.
Consumption warning before consuming Erbitux 500mg Infusion
When using Erbitux 500mg Infusion for head and neck cancer or colon and rectum cancer, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This medication is given via injection under medical supervision. Your dosage and frequency will be determined by your doctor and may change. Taking the wrong amount can result in severe side effects. Do not discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor.
Common side effects may include nausea, headache, vomiting, and skin rash. Inform your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen. Seek medical help if you experience difficulty breathing, fever, or chills. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor various levels in your body.
Be cautious of increased sun sensitivity while on this medication. Prior to use, disclose any heart or kidney conditions and medications you are currently taking to your doctor. Erbitux 500mg Infusion should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Effective contraception is vital for both genders to prevent pregnancy during treatment.
What if you forgot to take Erbitux 500mg Infusion?
If you happen to miss a dose of Erbitux 500mg Infusion, it is important to consult your doctor right away. Your doctor will be able to provide guidance on the next steps to take in order to ensure the effectiveness of your treatment. It is crucial not to try to make up for a missed dose on your own without consulting your healthcare provider first, as they will be able to offer the best course of action specific to your situation. Remember, your doctor is there to help and support you throughout your treatment journey with Erbitux 500mg Infusion.
Related lab tests
Related Lab Tests:
When undergoing Erbitux 500mg Infusion treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring certain lab tests to assess your response to the medication and manage any potential side effects. One important lab test to consider is the Carcino Embryonic Antigen (CEA) test. CEA is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of patients with certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Monitoring CEA levels through blood tests can help track the progression of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.
In addition to the CEA test, other related lab tests that may be useful in monitoring your condition during Erbitux 500mg Infusion include liver function tests (such as AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels) to assess how well your liver is functioning, and complete blood count (CBC) to monitor your overall blood cell levels. These lab tests can provide valuable information to your healthcare team to ensure that you are responding well to the treatment and to detect any potential complications early on.
Regular monitoring of these lab tests can help your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments to optimize your care. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding the frequency of these lab tests to ensure the best possible outcomes during Erbitux 500mg Infusion therapy.
Additional Information
Habit Forming | No |
Chemical Class | Monoclonal Antibody |
Therapeutic Class | - |
Action Class | EGFR (ErbB1 or HER1) inhibitors- Monoclonal antibody |
FAQs
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
₹101110
Inclusive of all taxes
Content verified by

Dr. Mansi Chaudhari
MBBS - General Medicine
Last update on 11-Feb-2025