Necitumumab (By injection)

ne-si-TOOM-oo-mab

Treats squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Necitumumab injection is used in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin to treat squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread.

Necitumumab 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 necitumumab, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some unwanted effects, such as a skin rash, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some of the unwanted effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

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

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

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.

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.

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

You may also receive medicines to help prevent possible allergic reactions to the injection.

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 necitumumab, 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 to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a history of blood clots or heart attack.

Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of this medicine.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Heart attack and problems with blood clots Low levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium in the blood Infusion reaction

You might develop a skin rash, dry skin, redness, cracks, or other skin problems. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. 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

Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness

Chest pain, severe trouble breathing, or swollen, painful area in your arm or leg

Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Fever or chills, trouble breathing

Loss of consciousness, pulse, or breathing

Nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, confusion

Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Seizure

Severe skin rash, dryness, acne, redness, cracks, itching, redness, or blisters

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

Headache

Mild nausea, vomiting, or sore in your mouth or throat

Watery or red eyes

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

Portrazza

There may be other brand names for this medicine.