Panitumumab (Vectibix®)

How to Take Panitumumab

Panitumumab is given as an intravenous (IV, into a vein) infusion. The actual dose (based on your body size) and how often you receive this medication will be determined by your healthcare provider.

Possible Side Effects of Panitumumab

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of panitumumab. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:

Nail and Skin Changes

Panitumumab has some unique nail and skin side effects that you may develop. Patients may develop a rash. This rash can be serious. Be sure to notify your provider of any skin changes you develop, as these can become severe. While this rash may look like acne, it is not, and should not be treated with acne medications. The rash may appear red, swollen, crusty, dry, and feel sore. You may also develop very dry skin, which may crack, be itchy or become flaky or scaly. The rash typically starts in the first week of treatment but can occur at any time during treatment. Tips for managing your skin include:

• Use a thick, alcohol-free emollient lotion or cream on your skin at least twice a day, including right after bathing.
• Avoid sun exposure, as it can worsen the rash or cause a severe burn. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and face from the sun.
• Bathe/shower in cool or lukewarm (not hot) water and pat your skin dry.
• Use soaps, lotions, and laundry detergents without alcohol, perfumes, or dyes.
• Wear gloves to wash dishes or do housework or gardening.
• Drink plenty of water and try not to scratch or rub your skin.
• Notify your healthcare team if you develop a rash, as they can provide suggestions to manage the rash and/or prescribe a topical medication to apply to the rash or an oral medication.
• If you develop peeling or blistering of the skin, notify your healthcare team right away.

While receiving panitumumab, you may develop an inflammation of the skin around the nail bed/cuticle areas of toes or fingers, which is called paronychia. It can appear red, swollen, or pus-filled. Nails may develop "ridges" in them or fall off. You may also develop cuts or cracks that look like small paper cuts in the skin on your toes, fingers, or knuckles. These side effects may appear several months after starting treatment but can last for many months after treatment stops.

• Follow the same recommendations for your skin (above).
• Don't bite your nails or cuticles or cut the cuticles.
• Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and dry.
• You may use nail polish, but do not wear fake nails (gels, acrylics, overlay).
• Notify your healthcare provider if any nails fall off or you develop any of these side effects or other skin abnormalities.

Fatigue

Fatigue is very common during cancer treatment and is an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion that is not usually relieved by rest. While on cancer treatment, and for a period after, you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; a simple daily walk with a friend can help.  Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on dealing with this side effect. 

Nausea and/or Vomiting

Talk to your oncology care team so they can prescribe medications to help you manage nausea and vomiting. In addition, dietary changes may help. Avoid things that may worsen the symptoms, such as heavy or greasy/fatty, spicy or acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, oranges). Try saltines, or ginger ale to lessen symptoms.

Call your oncology care team if you are unable to keep fluids down for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.

Diarrhea

Your oncology care team can recommend medications to relieve diarrhea. Also, try eating low-fiber, bland foods, such as white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea. Foods high in soluble fiber include applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange sections, boiled potatoes, white rice, products made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Drink 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic, un-caffeinated fluid a day to prevent dehydration.

Less common, but important side effects can include:

• Eye Concerns: While receiving panitumumab, some patients may develop irritation or damage to the cornea (clear part covers the eyeball) or changes in their eyesight. Notify your healthcare team if you develop any eye pain, swelling, redness, or any vision changes, including blurriness and sensitivity to light.
• Infusion-Related Side Effects: The infusion can cause a reaction that may lead to chills, fever, or difficulty breathing. Reactions are most common during the first week of therapy, including the evening after the infusion. Your care team will tell you what to do if this happens.
• Lung Problems: Patients can develop inflammation or scarring of the lungs (called pneumonitis or fibrosis), or interstitial lung disease while taking this medication. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worsening symptoms, including shortness of breath, trouble breathing, cough, or fever.
• Electrolyte Abnormalities: This medication can affect the normal levels of electrolytes (potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.) in your body. Your levels will be monitored using blood tests. If your levels become too low, your care team may prescribe specific electrolytes to be given by IV or taken by mouth. Do not take any supplements without first consulting with your care team.

Reproductive Concerns

Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while on this medication. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment and for at least 2 months after completing treatment. Even if your menstrual cycle stops or you believe you are not producing sperm, you could still be fertile and conceive. You should not breastfeed while receiving this medication and for 2 months after your last dose.