Panitumumab

Panitumumab is used for:

Treating certain types of colon or rectal cancer that have spread to other parts of the body. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Panitumumab is a monoclonal antibody. It works to treat certain types of cancer by binding to a protein (endothelial growth factor receptor [EGFR]) found on cancer cells. This reduces the growth and survival of the cancer.

Do NOT use Panitumumab if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Panitumumab

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if this applies to you.

Before using Panitumumab :

Some medical conditions may interact with Panitumumab . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of lung problems (eg, pulmonary fibrosis), skin problems, eye problems, or stomach or intestinal problems
• if you have low calcium, magnesium, or potassium levels
• if you have diarrhea or you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Panitumumab . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Irinotecan along with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (IFL therapy) because severe diarrhea may occur
• Bevacizumab or other medicines that treat cancer (ex, oxaliplatin) because they may increase the risk of Panitumumab 's side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Panitumumab may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Panitumumab :

Use Panitumumab as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Panitumumab is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• Do not use Panitumumab if it is discolored or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Do not shake Panitumumab .
• If you spill Panitumumab on your skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.
• If you miss a dose of Panitumumab , contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Panitumumab .

Important safety information:

• Panitumumab often causes skin reactions. Exposure to sunlight may make this worse. Avoid the sun, sunlamps or tanning booths while you use Panitumumab and for 2 months after you stop using it. Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Panitumumab before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including blood electrolytes, may be performed while you use Panitumumab and for 8 weeks after you stop Panitumumab . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Women who are able to become pregnant must use an effective form of birth control while using Panitumumab . You will need to continue to use birth control while you use Panitumumab and for 6 months after you stop using it. If you have questions about effective birth control, talk with your doctor.
• Men who use Panitumumab should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you use Panitumumab and for 6 months after you stop using it.
• Panitumumab should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Panitumumab may cause harm to the fetus. Do not become pregnant while you are using it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Panitumumab while you are pregnant. It is not known if Panitumumab is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while you use Panitumumab and for 2 months after you stop using it.

Possible side effects of Panitumumab :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include persistent dry gums or eyes, diarrhea, fatigue, or lack of feeling alert.

Panitumumab is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Panitumumab at home, store Panitumumab as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Panitumumab out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Panitumumab , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Panitumumab is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Panitumumab . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.