cetuximab, a miscellaneous antineoplastic, monoclonal antibody that inhibits epidermal growth factor receptors. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used alone or in combination with irinotecan for epidermal growth factor receptors expressing metastatic colorectal carcinoma. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug or murine proteins prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include rash, pruritus, acne, and dry skin. Life-threatening side effects include leukopenia, anemia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, angioedema, renal failure, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolus, anaphylaxis, sepsis, and infection. Common side effects include headache, insomnia, depression, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, mouth ulceration, dehydration, constipation, abdominal pain, blepharitis, cheilitis, cellulitis, cysts, alopecia, skin or nail disorder, conjunctivitis, asthma, malaise, fever, back pain, cough, dyspnea, and peripheral edema.
