Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Vectibix

Generic Name: panitumumab (Pronunciation: pan i TUE moo mab)

• What is panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• What are the possible side effects of panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• What is the most important information I should know about panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• How is panitumumab given (Vectibix)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Vectibix)?
• What happens if I overdose (Vectibix)?
• What should I avoid while taking panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• What other drugs will affect panitumumab (Vectibix)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is panitumumab (Vectibix)?

Panitumumab is a cancer medication. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in your body.

Panitumumab is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed after treatment with other chemotherapy.

Panitumumab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of panitumumab (Vectibix)?

Some people receiving a panitumumab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, short of breath, or if you have a fever or chills during the injection.

Some of the side effects of panitumumab may not appear when you first start using the medication. Severe skin or eye reactions may occur up to 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. These effects may not clear up for weeks or even months after you stop receiving panitumumab.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• swelling of your hands or ankles;
• acne, dryness, peeling, cracking, bleeding, oozing, pus, or any other sign of skin infection;
• cough or wheezing, running out of breath easily;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, muscle stiffness, fast or uneven heart rate, chest pain;
• redness, swelling, or irritation of your eyes or eyelids; or
• swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about panitumumab (Vectibix)?

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or breathing problems. You may not be able to receive panitumumab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Panitumumab may cause severe skin problems such as acne, itching, redness, skin rash, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing, and swelling or infection around your fingernails or toenails. This medication can also cause redness or irritation of your eyes or eyelids. More severe forms of skin problems can lead to widespread infection and possibly death. Seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of any skin rash.

Some people receiving a panitumumab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, short of breath, or if you have a fever or chills during the injection.

The side effects of panitumumab may not appear when you first start using the medication. Severe skin or eye reactions may occur up to 2 weeks after the start of your treatment. These effects may not clear up for weeks or even months after you stop receiving panitumumab.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Panitumumab can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

This medication may affect a woman's fertility (ability to have children). You may also have irregular menstrual periods while receiving panitumumab.

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