Panitumumab (By injection)
pan-i-TOOM-ue-mab
Treats cancer of the colon or rectum.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Panitumumab injection is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads to other parts of the body) of the colon or rectum in patients who have already received other cancer treatments. Panitumumab injection should only be used in patients who have had a KRAS gene mutation test. This test helps the doctor decide whether the medicine will treat their cancer.
Panitumumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by panitumumab, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, such as a skin rash, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.
Before you begin treatment with panitumumab, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine will only be given by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. This medicine needs to be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for at least an hour.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to panitumumab.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Men and women should use an effective form of birth control for 6 months after treatment ends.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or lung problems.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Infusion reactions Lung problemsThis medicine can cause serious skin reactions, and sunlight can make this worse. Take precautions while you are receiving this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose. Wear hats and use sunscreen when you are outside. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Cough, shortness of breath
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Dry, itchy, or cracking skin, acne, fingernail changes or swelling around your nails
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat
Eye redness or pain, watery eyes, vision changes
Fever, chills, trouble breathing, chest tightness, faintness
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, confusion
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vectibix
There may be other brand names for this medicine.