Panitumumab is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the bowel with a certain type of tumour known as a wild-type RAS. It is used for those who have cancer cells that have spread from the first place where they formed to another part of the body.
Panitumumab is to be given intravenously (into the vein) via a drip. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine for you.
The dose of Panitumumab will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response and tolerance to this medicine.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Panitumumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Panitumumab if you ever had a severe allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (scarring disorder of the lungs causing low oxygen levels in your blood) as Panitumumab may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 2 months after the last dose.
Do not use Panitumumab with bevacizumab (medicine for cancer).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of lung disease e.g. interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis
- history of eye problems e.g. severe dryness of the eye, keratitis (inflammation of the front area of the eye), ulcers at the front area of the eye
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Panitumumab. You must use proven birth control methods during therapy and for at least 2 months after the last dose. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Inform your doctor if you use contact lenses.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Before initiating treatment, your doctor needs to test whether your tumours are classified as wild-type RAS.
- Routine tests (e.g. electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your vital signs and temperature may also be monitored before, during, and after administration of this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of skin reactions, changes in vision, and lung problems may also be needed.
Panitumumab may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, back pain, tiredness, weakness, eye irritation or redness, dry eye, abnormal growth of eyelashes, hair loss, nail problems, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
Sunlight exposure can worsen the skin reactions caused by this medicine. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing or a hat when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe diarrhoea
- signs of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- signs of fluid and electrolyte problems e.g. fast or abnormal heartbeat, mood changes, muscle pain or weakness, confusion, increased thirst
- changes in eyesight or very bad eye irritation
- signs of lung problem e.g. persistent or recurrent cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing
- red, warm, or swollen area of the skin that quickly spreads, fever, severe pain
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Panitumumab with bevacizumab (medicine for cancer) plus chemotherapy.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Panitumumab, otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal.
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