Have you been prescribed Cetuximab treatment? Let's talk about it simply (Cetuximab Injection)

Perhaps you or someone in your family has been prescribed a cancer treatment called Cetuximab by your doctor. It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear this name. But once you understand what kind of medicine this is, how it works, and what things we need to be careful about, you will feel a great sense of relief. So today, let's talk about everything about this Cetuximab vaccine.

What kind of medicine is Cetuximab?

Cetuximab is a vaccine that belongs to a special class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies . Now you may be wondering what this monoclonal antibody is.

Simply put, it's a protein that's specially made in a lab using parts of our own immune system. Like a 'smart' bomb, this drug seeks out cancer cells directly, attaches to them, and helps stop or destroy their growth. This is a different type of targeted therapy than regular chemotherapy.

This treatment is often used:

• For colorectal cancer
• For Head and Neck Cancer

You may find this medicine under the brand name Erbitux.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment

To safely administer this treatment, it is important for your doctor to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding anything .

• If you have heart disease or if someone in your family has it.
• If you have ever had an irregular heartbeat before.
• If you have had low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in your blood in previous blood tests.
• If you have lung or breathing problems, such as asthma .
• If you have ever eaten animals such as ticks before (as this can be linked to some allergies).
• If you are allergic to red meat like beef .
• If you are allergic to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding , this is very important.

How is this treatment given and what to watch out for?

This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given as an infusion (a saline solution) into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or nursing staff who has been specially trained in this.

What if you miss the due date?

It is very important to take the prescribed doses of this treatment at the prescribed time. If for some reason you are unable to come for treatment on the scheduled day, do not skip it. Call your doctor immediately and ask for advice on the next day to come.

What if I take too much medicine?

This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect that you have taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things we need to be especially careful about during treatment

There are several things we need to pay attention to for your safety and well-being during treatment.

Be careful of the sun!

This is very important. Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun than usual while taking Cetuximab. This may last for up to 2 months after your last dose. Therefore:

• Avoid the harsh sun as much as possible.
• If you are going out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your body well, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Use a good sunscreen.
• Use a hat and an umbrella.
• Never use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.

Protect yourself from infections

During cancer treatment, the body's ability to resist disease (immunity) may be slightly reduced. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, cold, sore throat, or cough , do not go to take medicine on your own. Talk to your doctor immediately. Also, minimize going to crowded places and interacting with sick people as much as possible.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

This is very important and must be strictly adhered to.

• Do not try to get pregnant while taking this medication for any reason . This medication can seriously harm an unborn baby.
• Be sure to use a highly effective form of birth control throughout your treatment and for 2 months after your last dose .
• Also, avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 2 months after it ends.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, Cetuximab can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some of these are serious, while others are common. The most important thing is to be aware of them and tell your doctor when necessary.

Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list.

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