Common Nausea, Headache, Vomiting, Conjunctivitis, Skin rash, Diarrhoea, Infusion reaction, Decreased magnesium level in blood, Increased liver enzymes.

Expert advice for Erbitux Infusion
Administration of anti-allergy medication including steroids is mandatory at least one hour before cetuximab infusion.Caution is to be observed while driving or using machinery after taking Cetuximab.Cetuximab may also adversely affect skin and eyes with symptoms like blurred vision, eye pain and dry eye.Frequent monitoring for infections and levels of white blood cells is required, if cetuximab is given with certain other anti-cancer drugs (platinum compounds like cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin).There is increased risk of occurrence of heart problems if cetuximab is given with certain other anti-cancer drugs (fluoropyrimidines like capecitabine, fluorouracil).Caution is to be observed in case of administering cetuximab to elderly patient with heart problems.

Q. Is Erbitux a chemotherapy drug?
Erbitux is a cytotoxic drug that is used in the chemotherapy of cancers of colon and rectum, and head-neck cancers

Q. Is Erbitux cytotoxic agent or vesicant or radiosensitizer?
It is not a radiosensitizer, but usually used in combination with radiotherapy to treat the cancers. It is not a vesicant (irritant)

Q. Is Erbitux US FDA approved?
Yes, Erbitux is approved by US FDA in 2009 to treat certain type of cancer of colon, rectum and head-neck cancer

Q. How is Erbitux administered?
Erbitux is generally administered by intravenous (IV infusion) route, with or without radiotherapy

Q. Does Erbitux cause hair loss?
Yes. Erbitux is a chemotherapy agent, which may cause hair loss. Please consult your doctor if you experience such side effect

Q. Why does Erbitux cause a rash?
Erbitux may cause rashes

Q. How long does the rash last?
The duration of skin rash depends upon its type and severity. Please consult your doctor for advice.