Drug Study

Drug Name
Generic
panitumum
ab
Trade
Vectibix

Classificati
on
Antineopla
stic

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Human
epidermal
growth factor
receptorexpressing
metastatic
colorectal
cancer with
disease
progression
during or
following
fluoropyrimidin
e-, oxaliplatin-,
and irinotecancontaining
regimens

Panitumumab is a
targeted therapy
that targets and
binds to the
epidermal growth
factor receptors
(EGFR) on the
surface of the cell.
EGFR is found on the
surface of many
normal and cancer
cells. By binding to
these receptors,
Panitumumab blocks
an important
pathway that
promotes cell
division this results
in inhibition of cell
growth and
apoptosis (cell
suicide).
Panitumumab is
believed to work
when the tumor
cells test positive for
expression of EGFR.

Route/Frequency/Do
Adverse Reactions
sage
Adults: 6 mg/kg IV
Skin reactions
infusion over 60
(including
minutes every 14
redness,
days
acneform
dermatitis,
itching, or rash)
Low level of
magnesium in
the blood
(hypomagnesemi
a)
Fatigue
General
deterioration
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Swelling in hands
or feet
Cough
Dry skin
Inflammation of
the bed of the
fingernails
Eye irritation
(conjunctivitis,
increased tears,
irritation)

Drug Interaction
5-fluorouracil
bevacizumab
irinotecan
leucovorin
other
chemotherapy
medications

Nursing
Consideration
Before starting
Panitumumab
treatment, make
sure you tell your
doctor about any
other medications
you are taking
(including
prescription, overthe-counter,
vitamins, herbal
remedies, etc.). Do
not take aspirin,
products containing
aspirin unless your
doctor specifically
permits this.
Do not receive any
kind of
immunization or
vaccination without
your doctors
approval while
taking
Panitumumab.
Inform your health
care professional if
you are pregnant or
may be pregnant
prior to starting
Panitumumab.
Pregnancy category

C (use in pregnancy
only when benefit
to the mother
outweighs risk to
the fetus).
For both men and
women: Use
contraceptives, and
do not conceive a
child (get pregnant)
while taking
Panitumumab.
Barrier methods of
contraception such
as condoms are
recommended.
Discuss with your
doctor when you
may safely become
pregnant or
conceive a child
after therapy.
Avoid exposure to
sun while taking
Panitumumab. Use
sunscreen, hats and
protective clothing.
Sunlight make
worsen skin
reactions.
Do not breast feed
while taking
Panitumumab.