Drug Study

Drug Name
Generic
cetuximab
Trade
Erbitux

Classificati
on
Antineopla
stic

Indications
Epidermal
growth factorexpressing
metastatic
colorectal
cancer

Mechanism of Action
An EGFR antagonist
that binds to the
EGFR on normal and
tumor cells,
inhibiting epidermal
growth factor from
binding, which
interrupts cell
growth, induces cell
death, and
decreases growth
factor production.

Route/Frequency/Do
sage
Loading dose, 400
mg/m2 IV over 2
hours, aone or with
irinotecan.
Maintenance
dosage, 250 mg/m2
IV weekly over 1
hour.

Adverse Reactions

Drug Interaction

CNS: asthenia,
depression, fever,
headache,
insomnia, pain
CV: edema,
cardiopulmonary
arrest
EENT:
conjunctivitis
GI: abdominal
pain, anorexia,
constipation,
diarrhea,
dyspepsia,
dysphagia,
mucositis, nausea,
stomatitis,
vomiting,
xerostomia
GU: acute renal
failure
Hematologic:
anemia,
leukopenia
Metabolic:
dehydration,
hypomagnesemia,
weight loss
Musculoskeletal:
back pain
Respiratory:
cough, dyspnea,
pulmonary

Drug-lifestyle
Sun exposure

Nursing
Consideration
Premedicate with H1
antagonist prior to
first dose.
Manage mild to
moderate infusion
reactions by
decreasing infusion
rate and
premedicating with
an antihistamine for
subsequent
infusions.
Assess patient for
pulmonary
symptoms, if
interstitial disease
is confirmed stop
drug.

embolus
Skin: alopecia,
maculopapular
rash, nail disorder,
pruritus, radiation
dermatitis,
acneiform rash
Other:
anaphylactoid
reaction, chills,
infection, infusion
reaction, sepsis