Uses
Panitumumab is used to treat a type of cancer of the colon or rectum that has spread to other areas of the body either during or after treatment with other chemotherapy drugs. Panitumumab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Side Effects Of Panitumumab
Panitumumab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- tiredness
- weakness
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- sores in the mouth
- pain, while eating or swallowing
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- growth of eyelashes
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:
- cough
- wheezing
- muscle cramps
- a sudden tightening of the muscles of the hands or feet
- muscle cramps and twitching that you cannot control
- watery or itchy eye(s)
- red or swollen eye(s) or eyelids
- eye pain or burning
- dry or sticky mouth
- decreased urination or dark yellow urine
- sunken eyes
- rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- faintness
Panitumumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking panitumumab:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to panitumumab, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention if you are receiving treatment with other medications for your cancer, especially bevacizumab (Avastin), fluorouracil (Adrucil, 5-FU), irinotecan (Camposar), leucovorin, or oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lung disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control during your treatment with panitumumab and for 6 months after you stop receiving this medication. If you become pregnant while taking panitumumab, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with panitumumab or for 2 months after you stop receiving the medication.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Panitumumab may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Dosage Of Panitumumab
Panitumumab comes as a solution (liquid) to be given by infusion (injected into a vein). It is usually given by a doctor or nurse in a doctor’s office or infusion center. Panitumumab is usually given once every 2 weeks.
Other
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your treatment with panitumumab.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
