Drug Detail:Erbitux (Cetuximab [ se-tux-i-mab ])
Generic Name: cetuximab 2mg in 1mL
Dosage Form: injection, solution
Drug Class: EGFR inhibitors
Patient Selection
Select patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) for treatment with ERBITUX based on the presence of:
- Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing CRC [see Clinical Studies (14.2)], or
- BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic CRC [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]
Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of K-Ras or BRAF V600E mutations in CRC in patients with metastatic CRC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
Recommended Dosage for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)
In combination with radiation therapy
- Initial dose: 400 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy.
- Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks).
- Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy.
As a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil
Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil on a weekly or biweekly schedule.
Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
As a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin)
Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) on a weekly or biweekly schedule.
Weekly Dosage
- Initial dose: 400 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion
- Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week
Biweekly Dosage
- Initial and subsequent doses: 500 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every 2 weeks
Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to irinotecan or FOLFIRI. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
In combination with encorafenib
- The recommended initial dose is 400 mg/m2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion in combination with encorafenib.
- The recommended subsequent dosage is 250 mg/m2 weekly as a 60-minute infusion in combination with encorafenib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Refer to the encorafenib prescribing information for recommended encorafenib dosage information.
Premedication
Premedicate with a histamine-1 (H1) receptor antagonist intravenously 30–60 minutes prior to the first dose or subsequent doses as deemed necessary [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Dosage Modifications for Adverse Reactions
Reduce, delay, or discontinue ERBITUX to manage adverse reactions as described in Table 1.
Adverse Reaction | Severitya | Dosage Modification |
---|---|---|
a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC), version 2.0. |
||
Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] | Grade 1 or 2 | Reduce the infusion rate by 50%. |
Grade 3 or 4 | Immediately and permanently, discontinue ERBITUX. | |
Dermatologic toxicities and infectious sequelae (e.g., acneiform rash, mucocutaneous disease) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] | 1st occurrence; Grade 3 or 4 | Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks; if condition improves, continue at 250 mg/m2. If no improvement, discontinue ERBITUX. |
2nd occurrence; Grade 3 or 4 | Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks; if condition improves, continue at 200 mg/m2. If no improvement, discontinue ERBITUX. |
|
3rd occurrence; Grade 3 or 4 | Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks; if condition improves, continue at 150 mg/m2. If no improvement, discontinue ERBITUX. |
|
4th occurrence; Grade 3 or 4 | Discontinue ERBITUX. | |
Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] | Acute onset or worsening pulmonary symptoms | Delay infusion 1 to 2 weeks; if condition improves, continue at the dose that was being administered at the time of occurrence. If no improvement in 2 weeks or interstitial lung disease (ILD) is confirmed, discontinue ERBITUX. |
Preparation for Administration
- The solution should be clear and colorless and may contain a small amount of easily visible, white, amorphous, cetuximab particulates. Do not shake or dilute.
- Visually inspect for foreign particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use if solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains foreign particulate matter.
- Do not administer ERBITUX as an intravenous push or bolus.
- Administer via infusion pump or syringe pump. Do not exceed an infusion rate of 10 mg/min.
- Administer through a low protein binding 0.22-micrometer in-line filter.