PANITUMUMAB
Background and Date of Approval
Panitumumab is an anticancer agent classified as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. The U.S. FDA approved it in 2006 for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. It may be administered in combination with other chemotherapy agents or as monotherapy.
Uses
Panitumumab is used to prevent or treat metastatic colorectal cancer.
How is it administered?
The medicine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Panitumumab is given as an injection into a vein (intravenous infusion) over a period of 60 minutes, every 14 days. Doses higher than 1000 mg should be administered over 90 minutes. The dose, route of administration, and frequency will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Panitumumab are anemia, dry mouth, heartburn, headache, hair loss, and back pain. Some serious side effects also include severe diarrhea when used in combination with treatment, acute kidney failure, and infusion-related reactions. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
It is not recommended to take Panitumumab if you are allergic to the drug or any of its ingredients. This drug targets certain proteins in the body, which can increase the risk of bleeding. If you experience any signs of bleeding while taking this drug, such as unusual bleeding or bruising, black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, or bleeding gums, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or temporarily stop the treatment. Eye problems can occur while on the treatment with this medicine such as inflammation and damage to the cornea, and the symptoms may include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
Precautions
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as it causes harm to the unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. It is advised for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods during and for 3 months after the last dose of the drug. It is important to tell your doctor if you experience any skin problems while taking this medicine. Your doctor may recommend topical creams or ointments to soothe the skin or antibiotics to treat any infections that may develop. Infusion reactions can happen as a side effect of this drug, in which these are the allergic reactions that can occur during or shortly after the infusion of the medication. To minimize the risk of infusion reactions, your doctor will monitor you closely during and after the infusion and may give you medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids to prevent or treat any allergic reactions that may occur.
Word of Advice
This medicine may cause skin or tissue damage. Before going outside, apply sunscreen or wear a hat, as sunlight can worsen skin damage. If you develop a severe skin reaction, inform your doctor immediately. Maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, limiting contact with unwell individuals, and not sharing personal items such as towels or eating utensils. Women of childbearing potential should discuss family planning with their doctor before beginning treatment with panitumumab.
References
Amgen Inc, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Sep 2021] . https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6178.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023). Panitumumab- food and drug administration. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/125147s080lbl.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023). Amgen Inc, European Medical Agency (ema), [Revised on June 2017] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vectibix-epar-product-information_en.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023). Amgen Inc, [Revised on Aug 2021] https://www.pi.amgen.com/~/media/amgen/repositorysites/pi-amgen-com/vectibix/vectibix_pi.pdf (Accessed: April 25, 2023). Anton Wellstein, Giuseppe Giaccone, Michael B. Atkins, and Edward A. Sausville, Pathway-Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, and Various Small Molecules, Goodman & Gilmanâs Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 13th Edition, 2018, 1203-1236. Douglas F. Lake and Adrienne D. Briggs, Immunopharmacology, Langeâs Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 977-1002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use Panitumumab during pregnancy?
Panitumumab may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider before beginning this treatment if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby.
Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Panitumumab?
Panitumumab is associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications and poor wound healing. Hence it is suggested to avoid planning for surgery and tell your physician before you undergo surgery or dental procedures. Your healthcare provider will suggest stopping the medication a day prior to the surgical procedure.
What should you not take with Panitumumab?
Panitumumab may weaken your immune system, and taking live vaccines may increase the risk of infection. You should avoid getting live vaccines while using panitumumab.
Do Panitumumab cause any skin problems?
Yes, Severe skin problems, including a rash, can occur with the use of panitumumab, and it's important to note that skin reactions, including an acneiform rash, are common with panitumumab use, this may lead to widespread infection and potentially be life-threatening. If you notice any signs of a severe skin reaction, such as a rash, blisters, or peeling skin, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
What are the contraindications of Panitumumab?
Panitumumab is contraindicated in individuals who have a history of severe allergic reactions to this drug or any of its components. It is also contraindicated in individuals with a history of severe infusion reactions or hypersensitivity reactions to other monoclonal antibodies.