What is Vectibix?
Vectibix is a treatment for cancer that blocks the spread and growth of cancer cells within the body.
Vectibix is a treatment for one specific form of metastatic colorectal cancer that has grown following treatments with different chemotherapy.Vectibix is only recommended when your tumor is a type of wild RATS tumor, for which your physician will perform a biopsy.
Warnings
Before you take Vectibix, inform your doctor about any breathing issues or allergies.Vectibix can cause serious skin problems, such as redness, itching, acne, dryness, cracking, peeling, or oozing, as well as swelling or infections around your fingernails or toenails. The more severe skin conditions can lead to extensive infections and even death. Get medical attention immediately when you notice any skin irritation.
A few people who are taking this medication may have experienced an allergic reaction to an infusion (when medication is infused in the vein). Inform your doctor immediately in case you are feeling dizzy and nauseated, feel lightheaded and itchy, feel shaky, or develop chills or fever after the injection.
The adverse effects of Vectibix are not always apparent as you begin to use the drug. Extreme eye or skin reactions could occur as early as 2 weeks after starting the treatment. These reactions may not be resolved for weeks or even months following the stoppage of panitumumab.
Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Vectibix could cause sunburn more quickly. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) whenever you're outside.It is possible that you will experience irregular menstrual cycles while taking this medication.Utilise birth control to avoid pregnancy during the time you're receiving this medication, regardless of whether you're a man or woman. The use of panitumumab by any parent could result in birth defects. Keep using birth control for a period of 2 months after stopping taking this medication.
Similar or related drugs
Keytruda, Avastin, Capecitabine, Fluorouracil, Xeloda, and Betaseron
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use Vectibix if you have an allergy to panitumumab.
To be sure Vectibix is suitable for you, inform your doctor that you suffer from:
- Lung disease, breathing problems;
- An inflammation of your cornea (keratitis) the cornea of your eye (keratitis).
- An electrical imbalance (such as low levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium in your blood)
Utilising the vectibix during pregnancy may affect the unborn baby.Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant while taking this medication.Utilise effective birth control methods to stop pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least two months following the last dose.
It is possible that you experience an irregular menstrual cycle when you are taking Vectibix.It is unclear if panitumumab is absorbed into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed during treatment with this medication.
How to take Vectibix?
The vectibix is injectable into veins via an IV. Your healthcare professional will administer the injection. Before receiving this drug, it is possible to take a biopsy in order to confirm that panitumumab is the appropriate treatment for the cancer you have.The vectibix is to be administered slowly. The IV infusion may last up to 90 minutes before it is completed.Vectibix is typically given every two weeks. Follow the doctor's advice.
Consult your physician if you are experiencing persistent diarrhea or vomiting or if you're sweating more than normal. It is possible to get dehydrated when taking panitumumab. This could lead to poor blood pressure levels, electrolyte problems, or kidney failure.If you take Vectibix, it is possible that you will require regular blood tests. Your eyes and skin might also require examination.Panitumumab may be long-lastingly harmful to the body. You may need regular medical tests for as long as 8 weeks after you stop taking this medicine.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Colorectal Cancer:
6 mg/kg is administered via intravenous injections for 60 minutes at least every 14 days.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for the proper procedure in the event that you don't make the appointment for the injection of Vectibix.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid direct sun exposure as well as tanning beds. Vectibix may be more susceptible to sunburn. Be sure to wear protective attire and sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) throughout treatment and for at least two months after you cease receiving treatment.
Panitumumab is a drug that can be absorbed into the body fluids (urine, feces, or vomit). At least for the first 48 hours following the time you received the dose, you should not allow the body fluids of your body to come into contact with your hands or any other surfaces. Carers must wear gloves made of rubber when cleaning up a patient's fluids, handling toxic trash or laundry, or changing diapers. Wash your hands after taking off your gloves. Cleanse linens and clothing that have been soiled apart from the rest of the laundry.
Side effects of Vectibix
See a doctor immediately. If you notice any symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, vectibix symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or facethere are some side effects that can happen when you inject. Inform your doctor immediately. If you experience nausea, dizziness, nauseated, lightheaded chills, feverishness, chest tightness, or trouble breathing,
You should seek medical attention the moment you notice the warning sign of a skin eruption. Vectibix may cause severe skin issues that could cause an outbreak of infection and even death.
Contact your doctor immediately. If you are suffering from:
- Severe or ongoing diarrhea;
- Sudden heartache or discomfort; wheezing, dry coughing, or hacking; feeling out of breath;
- Swelling, redness, or irritation to the eyelids or your eyes and vision changes
- Facial swelling;
- Low potassium levels Leg cramps frequent heartbeats, constipation, the chest flutters, more frequent urination, or thirst Tingling or numbness; muscles becoming weak or limp;
- Symptoms of dehydration: feeling extremely thirsty and hot, not being able to urinate, excessive sweating, or having hot and dry skin
- Symptoms of kidney problems such as a lack of or no urine pain or difficulty urinating; swelling of your ankles and feet; feeling tired or sluggish;
- Skin conditions skin problems: serious or worsening acne, inflammation or swelling around your toenails or fingernails, redness, skin itching, dryness, peeling cracks, or bleeding.
Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or completely stopped when you experience certain adverse effects.
Common vectibix side effects can include:
- Acne, dry skin itching, and rashes;
- The swelling or irritation that occurs around your toenails or fingernails;
- Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
- The appearance of ulcers or blisters in your mouth; swelling or red gums; difficulty swallowing;
- Feeling tired and weak
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications can interfere with panitumumab. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health care professionals about any medications you are taking currently and all medicines that you decide to stop or begin taking.
