Necitumumab
Generic name: necitumumab [ NE-si-TOOM-oo-mab ]
Brand name: Portrazza
Dosage form: intravenous solution (16 mg/mL)
Drug class:EGFR inhibitors
What is necitumumab?
Necitumumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a certain protein in the body that can affect tumor cell growth. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.
Necitumumab is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer. Necitumumab is usually given in combination with other cancer medications.
Necitumumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Necitumumab can cause your electrolytes to become unbalanced. This can lead to serious heart problems, including cardiac arrest. You will need frequent blood tests to check your electrolytes (calcium, potassium, and magnesium).
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with necitumumab if you are allergic to it.
To make sure necitumumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood); or
a history of heart attack or stroke.
Using necitumumab during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using necitumumab and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
It is not known whether necitumumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while you are being treated with necitumumab, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
How is necitumumab given?
Necitumumab is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. This medicine must be injected slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.
Necitumumab is given in a 21-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only on days 1 and 8 of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with necitumumab.
You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving necitumumab.
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