necitumumab

High Alert

First-line treatment of metastatic, squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin).

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Nonsquamous NSCLC (↑ mortality and ↑ toxicity);
OB: Pregnancy;
Lactation: Lactation.

Use Cautiously in:

History of thromboembolism;
Electrolyte abnormalities (correct before initiating therapy);
Rep: Women of reproductive potential;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH, THROMBOEMBOLIC EVENTS

Derm: dermatitis acneiform, rash, acne, dry skin, erythema, pruritus, skin fissures

F and E: hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia

GI: diarrhea, stomatitis, vomiting, dysphagia

Metab: weight loss

MS: muscle spasms

Neuro: headache

Resp: hemoptysis

Misc: INFUSION REACTIONS

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Solution for IV administration: 16 mg/mL

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

IV (Adults ): 800 mg on Days 1 and 8 of each 3-wk cycle prior to gemcitabine and cisplatin infusion; continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Binds to epidermal growth factor receptor resulting in inactivation of kinases that regulate proliferation and transformation.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved survival and decreased progression of squamous NSCLC.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antineoplastics

Pharmacologic Classification: epidermal growth factor receptor egfr inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: 14 days.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
IV	unknown	end of infusion	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Caution patient of risk of electrolyte abnormalities. Advise patient of importance of taking electrolyte replacements as directed.
Instruct patient to report signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, difficulty breathing) to health care professional immediately.
Advise patient to wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, and avoid sun exposure during therapy to minimize skin reactions.
Rep: May cause fetal harm. Advise women of reproductive potential to use effective contraception and avoid breastfeeding during and for ≥3 mo after completion of therapy.

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Indications ⬇