Drug Notes

Necitumumab (By injection)

Necitumumab (ne-si-TOOM-oo-mab)

Treats squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Portrazza

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• 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.
• 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.
• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent possible allergic reactions to the injection.

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 to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a history of blood clots or heart attack.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of this medicine.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart attack and problems with blood clots
  • Low levels of magnesium, calcium, and potassium in the blood
  • Infusion reaction
• You might develop a skin rash, dry skin, redness, cracks, or other skin problems. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• 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
• Chest pain that may spread to your arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating, faintness
• Chest pain, severe trouble breathing, or swollen, painful area in your arm or leg
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat
• Fever or chills, trouble breathing
• Loss of consciousness, pulse, or breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness or weakness, muscle cramps, confusion
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Seizure
• Severe skin rash, dryness, acne, redness, cracks, itching, redness, or blisters

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

• Headache
• Mild nausea, vomiting, or sore in your mouth or throat
• Watery or red eyes

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