Ramucirumab (By injection)

ra-mue-SIR-ue-mab

Treats cancer, including stomach, colon, rectal, and lung cancer.

Drug classes

Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Ramucirumab injection is used alone or together with paclitaxel to treat advanced stomach or gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer that has already spread) after a patient has received other cancer medicines. It is also used in combination with docetaxel to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (cancer that has already spread) in patients who have received other cancer medicines. This medicine is also used in combination with folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has already spread) in patients who have received other cancer medicines.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

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. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour.

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

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 ramucirumab or if you are pregnant.

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. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose.

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 could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, cirrhosis, blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or a had recent heart attack or stroke.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting problems High blood pressure Infusion reaction Increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation (hole in stomach or bowels) Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (brain disorder)

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause slow wound healing. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery.

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

Bloody, black, or tarry stools, severe stomach pain or cramps

Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting

Confusion, seizure, extreme drowsiness

Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf)

Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea

Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

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

Cyramza

There may be other brand names for this medicine.