What is Necitumumab?
Necitumumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a particular protein in the body that may affect the growth of tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies are specific and destroy cells within the body. This could help defend healthy cells from harm.
Necitumumab is a treatment for a specific form of non-small-cell lung cancer. Necitumumab is typically prescribed in conjunction with other cancer drugs.Necitumumab is also employed for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Side effects of Necitumumab
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of an allergic response, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,Certain side effects can occur after the injection. Contact your physician immediately if you feel cold or hot or have difficulty breathing.
Necitumumab may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Acne-like skin rash;
- The skin becomes thicker or forms a hard lump in the area where the medication was injected.
- low heartbeat low pulse, fainting breath, slow breathing (breathing could be stopped);
- Chest tension or pain that is spreading into your shoulder or jaw;
- Symptoms of a blood clot: sudden weakness or numbness, problems with speech or vision or speech, an abrupt wheezing, wheezing and coughing up blood swelling or pain in the leg or arm;
- Indications of an electrolyte imbalance: numbness or the sensation of tingling; irregular heartbeats tension in muscles, tremors, muscle weakness, or a limb sensation; leg cramps; a rise in thirst or urination; behavioral shifts; seizures (convulsions).
Your treatment for cancer could be delayed or discontinued permanently if you experience certain adverse consequences.
Common side effects of necitumumab include:
- Vomiting, diarrhea;
- Itchy skin rash;
- Low levels of magnesium are present in your blood.
It's not a comprehensive listing of all adverse consequences. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Opdivo, Retevmo, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, Keytruda, and Avastin
Warnings
Necitumumab can cause electrolytes to get out of balance. This could lead to severe heart problems, including a heart attack. It is necessary to have frequent tests of your blood to determine the level of electrolytes (calcium, potassium, and magnesium).
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat with necitumumab if you are sensitive to it.
To ensure necitumumumab's suitability for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:
- Coronary arteriatric condition (hardened coronary artery arteries);
- Hypertension;
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- The imbalance of electrolytes (such as a low level of magnesium, potassium, or magnesium in the blood). An electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels magnesium or potassium or magnesium in blood)
- An antecedent that suggests stroke, heart attacks, and/or stroke.
The use of necitumumab during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby. Consult your physician when you are expecting or planning to be pregnant. Make use of effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking necitumumab and for a minimum of 3 months after the most recent dose.
It isn't known if necitumumab gets into breast milk or whether it is harmful to the nursing infant. Don't breastfeed when you are being treated with necitumumab and for at least three months following the previous dose.
How to take Necitumumab?
Necitumumab is administered into veins via an IV. The healthcare professional will give the injection. The medicine should be administered slowly. The IV infusion will last for at least one hour.
Necitumumab is a 21-day treatment. It is possible to apply the drug only on days 1 through 8 of the cycle. Your physician will decide the duration of treatment with necitumumab.It is possible to receive medication to avoid certain adverse effects when you receive necitumumab.
Necitumumab could cause electrolytes to be imbalanced. This could lead to severe heart problems, including cardiac arrest. It is important to conduct frequent blood tests to monitor your electrolytes (calcium, potassium, and magnesium).
Your physician may suggest that you take supplements for your mineral levels to prevent your electrolytes from being too low. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosage with care.Necitumumab may have lasting effects on the body. It is possible that you will require frequent medical tests for up to 8 weeks after stopping this medication.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
800 mg IV in 60 minutes on days 1 through 8 of each 3-week course before the gemcitabine and cisplatin infusion
The duration of the treatment keeps going until the disease progresses or the toxicity is unacceptable.
Comments:
For patients who have had an earlier IRR (IRR), the patient should take diphenhydramine (or equivalent) prior to any infusions of this medication.
For patients who have had another IRR of Grade 1, or 2 IRR occurrence, IRR Premedicate for each subsequent infusion with diphenhydramine (or equivalent), acetaminophen (or equivalent), and dexamethasone (or equivalent) prior to each dose of this medication.
Treatment: First-line treatment of patients suffering from metastatic non-squamous small lung cancer (NSCLC) together with gemcitabine and the chemotherapy drug cisplatin
What happens If I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment in the event that you don't make the appointment for the necitumumab injection.
What happens If I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
The symptoms of an overdose can be headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
What should be avoided?
Beware of exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Necitumumab may cause burns more quickly. Protect yourself with protective clothes and wear sunblock (SPF 30 or more) while you're outdoors.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can interfere with necitumumab. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about the medicines you take currently and all medicines that you decide to stop or change your use of.
