What is Erbitux 100mg Injection?

Erbitux which contains cetuximab is a prescription medication used in cancer treatment. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting and blocking a specific protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found on the surface of some cancer cells. This protein is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Can I Buy Erbitux 100mg Injection in Pakistan?

Yes, you can buy Erbitux 100 mg injection from Online Pharmacy, which is a reliable provider of wellness medicines in Pakistan offering 24/7 delivery service.

What Should You Do If You Take an Overdose of Erbitux 100mg Injection?

If you take an overdose of Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention even if you do not experience any symptoms. Erbitux is administered under strict medical supervision, making overdose rare, but if it occurs, urgent care is necessary due to potential serious side effects such as severe infusion reactions or cardiopulmonary complications.

Does Erbitux 100mg Injection Affect Kidney Patients?

Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection can be used safely in patients with renal impairment without dose adjustment, according to pharmacokinetic studies showing similar drug clearance and half-life in patients with ki dney dy sfunction compared to those with normal renal function. However, cetuximab may cause electrolyte imbalances such as hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia, which can affect kidney function and require close monitoring of serum electrolytes during and for at least 8 weeks after treatment. These electrolyte disturbances could potentially exacerbate renal issues if not managed properly.

Does Erbitux 100mg Injection Affect Liver Patients?

Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection can be used in patients with liver dysfunction, including those with liver metastases, and has shown effectiveness even when liver enzymes are elevated or bilirubin is increased, as reported in clinical cases. Generally, cetuximab is considered liver-safe, with most liver-related side effects being mild and transient elevations in liver enzymes (AST, ALT), which usually normalize after treatment ends. Serious liver injury from cetuximab is very rare but has been documented in isolated cases of drug-induced liver injury that improved after stopping the medication.

What Happens When you Stop Taking Erbitux 100mg Injection?

Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection can be used in patients with liver dysfunction, including those with liver metastases, and has shown effectiveness even when liver enzymes are elevated or bilirubin is increased, as reported in clinical cases. Generally, cetuximab is considered liver-safe, with most liver-related side effects being mild and transient elevations in liver enzymes (AST, ALT), which usually normalize after treatment ends. Serious liver injury from cetuximab is very rare but has been documented in isolated cases of drug-induced liver injury that improved after stopping the medication.

When is the Best Time to Take Erbitux 100mg Injection ?

The best time to take Erbitux 100mg injection depends on the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor, but generally: Erbitux is administered once weekly or once every two weeks by intravenous infusion under medical supervision. The initial dose is typically given over 120 minutes (2 hours) to minimize infusion reactions. Subsequent weekly doses are infused over about 60 minutes (1 hour). If given every two weeks, the dose is infused over approximately 120 minutes. When Erbitux is combined with chemotherapy agents like irinotecan or FOLFIRI, it should be completed 1 hour before administering those chemotherapies. Premedication with an H1 receptor antagonist (e.g., antihistamine) is recommended 30 to 60 minutes before the Erbitux infusion to reduce the risk of infusion-related reactions.

Erbitux 100mg/1Vial Injection (Cetuximab)

₨60,000.00

Erbitux 100mg Injection contains cetuximab which is now available in Pakistan at Online Pharmacy. The price range of the erbitux injection is Rs 45,000/- to Rs 65,000/-.

Product Description

Brand: Erbitux
Form: Injection
Packet Size: 1 Vial
Active ingredient: Cetuximab
Manufacturer: Martin Dow Marker
Treatment: Colorectal Cancer

Category: Imported Medicines

Additional Details

Uses of the Erbitux 100mg Injection

The Erbitux 100mg Injection (active ingredient cetuximab) is primarily used to treat specific types of cancer, including:

Metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum that has spread to other parts of the body). It works by targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, blocking signals that promote their growth and survival, thus preventing cancer cell proliferation.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, or throat. It is used in various settings such as:

In combination with radiation therapy for locally advanced disease.

With platinum-based chemotherapy and fluorouracil for recurrent or metastatic disease.

As a single agent for disease that has progressed after platinum-based therapy.

How Does Erbitux 100mg Injection Work?

Erbitux works by targeting and binding to a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is present on the surface of many cancer cells.

Here’s how it works:

Binding to EGFR: Erbitux binds to EGFR, blocking the activation of this receptor by natural growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGFR plays a crucial role in cell growth and division. In many cancer cells, EGFR is overexpressed, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Inhibiting Signal Transduction: By blocking EGFR, Erbitux prevents the transmission of signals that would normally encourage cancer cells to grow and divide. This inhibition slows down or stops the growth of the tumor.

Inducing Immune Response: Erbitux also activates the immune system by promoting an immune response that targets and destroys cancer cells. This occurs through mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), where immune cells are recruited to kill the tumor cells.

Effects on Cancer Cells: As a result of these actions, the growth of the cancer cells is slowed down, and it may help shrink existing tumors, improving the overall progression of the disease.

How Should You Take Erbitux 100mg Injection?

Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection is typically administered by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. It is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein. Before you receive the injection, your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and how often you should receive the treatment based on your condition, medical history, and response to previous treatments.

The infusion is usually started slowly to monitor for any allergic reactions or side effects, with the rate increasing over time. Depending on the condition being treated (such as head and neck cancer or colorectal cancer), you may receive Erbitux weekly or every two weeks.

It’s important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments for treatment. If you experience any severe reactions during or after the infusion, such as difficulty breathing, skin rash, or fever, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice and guidance on taking Erbitux, as they will tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.

Recommended Dosage of Erbitux 100mg Injection

The dosage of Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection varies depending on the condition being treated and your individual medical needs. Below is a general guideline for the recommended dosage:

For Colorectal Cancer (CRC):

Initial Dose: 400 mg/m² body surface area (BSA) as a loading dose, given as an intravenous (IV) infusion over 2 hours.

Subsequent Doses: 250 mg/m² BSA once a week, administered as an IV infusion over 1 hour.

For Head and Neck Cancer (HNC):

Initial Dose: 400 mg/m² BSA as a loading dose, administered as an IV infusion over 2 hours.

Subsequent Doses: 250 mg/m² BSA once a week, administered as an IV infusion over 1 hour.

Warnings and Precautions of Erbitux 100mg Injection

Before receiving Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection, it’s important to be aware of certain warnings and precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment. Here are key points to consider:

Allergic Reactions:

Erbitux can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction). Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to any medications, especially monoclonal antibodies.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, rash, fever, chills, and swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Skin Reactions:

Skin problems, such as rash, acne, and dry skin, are common with Erbitux. Severe skin reactions, including skin peeling or infections, may occur and require medical intervention.

Your doctor may monitor your skin regularly and recommend treatments to manage any skin issues.

Electrolyte Imbalance:

Erbitux can cause low levels of magnesium, calcium, and other electrolytes in your blood, which can be dangerous. Regular blood tests will be conducted to monitor your electrolyte levels during treatment.

Lung Problems:

Erbitux can cause severe lung issues, including difficulty breathing and interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can be fatal. Inform your doctor if you have a history of lung disease or experience difficulty breathing or persistent cough during treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Erbitux is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, meaning it may harm an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid using Erbitux.

If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using Erbitux, as it may pass into breast milk.

Cardiovascular Conditions:

People with heart problems, particularly those with a history of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), should use Erbitux with caution. Inform your healthcare provider of any cardiovascular conditions.

Use in Children:

The safety and effectiveness of Erbitux in children have not been established. It is generally not recommended for use in pediatric patients unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Other Medical Conditions:

Inform your healthcare provider if you have any other medical conditions, including liver or kidney issues, as these may require dose adjustments or special monitoring.

Possible Side Effects of Erbitux 100mg Injection

Like all medications, Erbitux (cetuximab) 100mg injection may cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of both common and serious potential side effects. Below are the possible side effects associated with Erbitux:

Common Side Effects

Skin Reaction
Infusion Reactions
Diarrhea
Nausea and Vomiting

Serious Side Effects (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Respiratory Problems
Electrolyte Imbalance
Heart Issues
Eye Problems

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