Vectibix

Vectibix

Generic Name: panitumumab (pan i TUE moo mab)

Brand Names: Vectibix

What is Vectibix?

Vectibix is a cancer medication. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells by binding to a protein found on cancer cells which slows their growth and spread.

Vectibix is used to treat colon or rectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body after treatment with other chemotherapy.

Vectibix may also be used for other purposes not listed in this guide.

Important information about Vectibix

Before receiving Vectibix, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be able to receive Vectibix, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Vectibix may cause severe skin problems such as acne, itching, redness, skin rash, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing, and swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails. Vectibix can also cause redness or irritation of your eyes or eyelids. More severe forms of skin problems can lead to widespread infection and possibly death. Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash.

Some people receiving a Vectibix injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, short of breath, or if you have a fever or chills during the injection.

The side effects of Vectibix may not appear when you first start using the medication. Severe skin or eye reactions may occur up to 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. These effects may not clear up for weeks or even months after you stop receiving Vectibix.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Vectibix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

This medication may affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). You may also have irregular menstrual periods while receiving Vectibix.

Before receiving Vectibix

This medication may cause severe skin problems such as acne, itching, redness, skin rash, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing, and swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails. More severe forms of skin problems can lead to widespread infection and possibly death. Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash. Do not use Vectibix if you are allergic to panitumumab.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be able to receive Vectibix, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to receive this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Vectibix passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication may affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). You may also have irregular menstrual periods while receiving Vectibix.

How is Vectibix given?

Vectibix is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Before you receive this medication, you may need to undergo a biopsy to make sure Vectibix is the right medication to treat your cancer.

Vectibix is usually given once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your Vectibix injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a Vectibix overdose are unknown.

What should I avoid while taking Vectibix?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Vectibix can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Vectibix side effects

Some people receiving a Vectibix injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, short of breath, or if you have a fever or chills during the injection.

Some of the side effects of Vectibix may not appear when you first start using the medication. Severe skin or eye reactions may occur up to 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. These effects may not clear up for weeks or even months after you stop receiving Vectibix.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

swelling of your hands or ankles;

acne, dryness, peeling, cracking, bleeding, oozing, pus, or any other sign of skin infection;

cough or wheezing, running out of breath easily;

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, muscle stiffness, fast or uneven heart rate, chest pain;

redness, swelling, or irritation of your eyes or eyelids; or

swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails.

Less serious Vectibix side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

diarrhea or constipation; or

tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Vectibix?

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Vectibix. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor can provide more information about Vectibix.

What does my medication look like?

Panitumumab is available with a prescription under the brand name Vectibix Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.