Introduction

Panitumumab (PAN-i-toom-ue-mab)

Treats cancer of the colon or rectum. This medicine may be given in combination with other medicines to treat cancer.

Brand Name(s)

Vectibix

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to panitumumab.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a cancer medicine called leucovorin (Wellcovorin®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. This medicine may prevent you from getting pregnant for a short time.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have lung problems or trouble breathing.
• This medicine may cause serious skin problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, itchiness, skin redness or swelling, dry skin, peeling skin or fissures, or fingernail changes while using this medicine.
• This medicine may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have fever, chills, trouble with breathing, chest tightness, swelling in your face or hands, lightheadedness, or if you feel like fainting within a few hours after you receive it.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have any changes to your eyes, such as redness, itching, swelling, or vision changes while you are using this medicine. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor.
• This medicine may cause diarrhea when given with other medicines to treat cancer. This may also cause you to have an electrolyte problem, such as low magnesium or calcium in the blood. Tell your doctor right away if you start having muscle cramps or twitching, mood or mental changes, or unusual tiredness or weakness while using this medicine.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Acne, dry skin, skin itchiness, skin fissures, or fingernail changes.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Eye redness or pain, tearing, or changes in vision.
• Fever and chills.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Weakness or tiredness.