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Regimen Information

For Erbitux, including Side Effects

Erbitux

Drugs in this Regimen:

For the treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

How Erbitux chemotherapy is given and possible side effects.

Erbitux for the treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Erbitix (cetuximab) is a recombinant, chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor (EGFR) with antineoplastic activity and used in head and neck cancer.

MOST COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF ERBITUX

  • Nausea & Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Alopecia or Hair Loss

For more information, see the 'Expert Resources' tab below.

Community Responses

Often, the most helpful information regarding treatment side effects comes not from clinical brochures, but rather from other patients like you. We've collected the most helpful community resources to help you prepare for the side effects and coping tips for your chemotherapy regimen.

What side effects did you experience while on this medication?

Hi, I'm Doris G.

The skin at the tips of my fingers split open in small lines and hurt. The fingernail on my right thumb split from end of nail to cuticle and very annoying as it caught on my clothes. For the cracks in my skin on my fingers I used Working Hands in the round metal container and best thing to do is put it on at night and wear a pair of gloves. I am losing my hair by the strand but I am also taking chemo while on Erbitux.

  • Thu Mar 1, 2018
Hi, I'm Bill Clyne

Only side effect I had was what looked like pimples all over my body – thought I had gone back to being a teenager with a really bad case of acne. The “pimples” never itched and eventually went away. You might want to check the attached link (I’m trying to raise funds for SPOHNC, a great support organization for patients and caregivers.

http://www.indiegogo.com/head-and-neck?a=1034285

  • Thu Nov 8, 2012

This discussion needs your voice!

What were the specific side effects that you experienced while taking this medication? How did you manage them?

What coping tips would you give to new patients on this regimen?

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This discussion needs your voice!

What do you wish you had known before taking this medication? What information would you like to pass on to patients who are beginning this medication?

Treatment Overview

This chemotherapy regimen is commonly used to treat:

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.