Drug Notes

Ramucirumab (By injection)

Ramucirumab (ra-mue-SIR-ue-mab)

Treats cancer, including stomach, colon, rectal, and lung cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Cyramza

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour.
• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose.
• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, cirrhosis, blood clotting problems, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or a had recent heart attack or stroke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Infusion reaction
  • Increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation (hole in stomach or bowels)
  • Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (brain disorder)
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause slow wound healing. You may need to stop taking it before you have surgery.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody, black, or tarry stools, severe stomach pain or cramps
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, fainting
• Confusion, seizure, extreme drowsiness
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017