What are some of the side effects possible with ERBITUX?
Select Serious Side Effects:
Allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions are a serious side effect with ERBITUX. Allergic reactions are rare but may cause death. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have trouble breathing, are wheezing or hoarse, or have fever, chills, or a tight feeling in your airways. Symptoms can also include low blood pressure, shock, loss of consciousness, and/or heart attack. Severe allergic reactions can happen at any time during treatment, but they happen most often at the first dose. The risk of anaphylactic reactions may be increased in people with a history of tick bites, a red meat allergy, or certain specific antibodies.
Heart attack
Heart attack is a serious side effect with ERBITUX. Heart attack or sudden death has happened in some people who received ERBITUX with radiation therapy or cetuximab with platinum-based chemotherapy and fluorouracil. Heart attack can also occur as a consequence of infusion-related reactions. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease.
Skin problems
Skin problems are one of the most serious side effects of ERBITUX. Skin problems include an acne-like rash, skin drying and cracking, infections, and abnormal hair growth. The skin around your fingernails and toenails may swell. Blistering of the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth) or peeling of the skin may be symptoms of serious reactions that could lead to death. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Possible side effects and tips to help care for them
ERBITUX may cause hair changes. Hair changes during EGFR treatment may:
- Make the eyelashes grow very fast and become very long and bother your eyes
- Cause fast growth to eyebrows
- Cause hair on the scalp to become curly, fine, or brittle
- Start a few weeks to months after starting treatment and go away after treatment is stopped
Side effects for each person may vary. Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice hair changes or any other side effects.
ERBITUX may cause an acne-like skin rash. Acne-like skin rash during EGFR treatment may:
- Look like acne, but it is not
- Be red, swollen, crusty, and very dry
- Feel itchy, tender, painful, or warm or burning (like a sunburn)
- Happen on the scalp, face, chest, or upper back, or other parts of the body if the case is severe
- Start and may be worse during the first few weeks of treatment
- Get better or stay the same during treatment
- Go away after treatment is stopped, but not always immediately
- Become infected
- Cause the skin to change color after the rash has gone away
Tips to help care for skin problems:
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about management of skin problems
- Your doctor or nurse may suggest the use of moisturizing lotion to help keep skin moist
- They may also suggest cool compresses to relieve itching
- Being out in the sun may make skin problems worse. People receiving ERBITUX should wear sunscreen and hats and limit sun exposure during treatment and for 2 months following the last dose of ERBITUX
- Rash may be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may be in pill form (and may be taken by mouth) or as a skin cream
Side effects for each person may vary. You may experience other side effects while being treated with ERBITUX. Your treatment team is there to help, so be sure to let them know if you notice an acne-like rash or any other side effects that are bothering you.
What to do:
- Tell your doctor if you have fatigue or weakness
- Make a plan for each day that includes time for activity and time for rest. Try to do the most important things first, while you have energy
- Keep a journal of how you feel each day, noting when you are tired or feeling energetic
- Do small amounts of activity to give yourself energy
- For persistent fatigue, talk to your doctor
What to avoid:
- Avoid foods or drinks with caffeine, such as coffee or chocolate, in the afternoon or at night
- If you are having trouble sleeping at night, avoid late-afternoon naps
You may experience other side effects while being treated with ERBITUX. Your treatment team is there to help, so be sure to let them know about any side effects that are bothering you.
Tips to help care for diarrhea:
What to do:
- Tell your doctor if you experience diarrhea
- Eat many small meals, rather than 3 normal-size meals
- Eat Bananas, white Rice, Applesauce, white Toast (the BRAT diet)
- Drink plenty of water, clear liquids, or sports drinks
What to avoid:
- Do not drink milk or eat milk products, such as ice cream
- Do not eat greasy or spicy foods
- Avoid whole wheat or whole grain foods and other foods high in fiber, such as raw vegetables, beans, and nuts
Tips to help care for nausea:
- Tell your doctor if you have nausea
- Eat smaller meals more often during the day
- Eat foods that are light or bland (have a mild flavor), such as chicken noodle soup or scrambled eggs
- Eat dry foods, such as crackers, bread, or dry cereal, when you first wake up or if your stomach is empty
- Sip clear liquids, such as water or a sports drink, or suck on ice chips or ice pops
- Rest a bit after eating, but avoid lying down flat for at least 1 hour after a meal
- Rinse your mouth before and after you eat a meal
You may experience other side effects while being treated with ERBITUX. Your treatment team is there to help, so be sure to let them know about any side effects that are bothering you.
ERBITUX may cause nail changes. Nail changes during EGFR treatment may:
- Look like swollen, red skin around the fingernails or toenails
- Appear similar to ingrown nails or infection
- Cause nails to form ridges or to fall off
- Be swollen and painful
- Appear 2 to 4 months after starting treatment
- Last for many months after treatment
Side effects for each person may vary. Tell your doctor or nurse if you notice nail changes or any other side effects.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
Contact your doctor or treatment team. They are the best source for advice when it comes to taking care of any side effects you may have with ERBITUX.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.