Ramucirumab is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat advanced cancer of the stomach or the portion of the stomach that joins the food pipe.
This medicine is also used together with other medicines to treat cancer of the colon, rectum, or lungs in individuals whose tumour has spread to other parts of the body or those whose disease worsened after receiving previous cancer therapy.
Ramucirumab may also be used to treat liver cancer that is advanced or cannot be removed by surgery in individuals who have an elevated level of a particular protein in the blood and those who have been previously treated with another medicine for cancer.
Ramucirumab is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Before starting your treatment, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of Ramucirumab. These medicines may be given as tablets or as injections.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
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 Ramucirumab.
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.
If you are being treated for lung cancer, alert your doctor if there is evidence that your lung cancer is close to major blood vessels or if the tumour has a cavity or hole in it as Ramucirumab may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Ramucirumab therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while using this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Ramucirumab therapy and for 3 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- history of aneurysm (weakness and bulging of the blood vessel wall)
- bleeding disorders or conditions that increase the risk of bleeding
- liver problems
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Ramucirumab to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Ramucirumab.
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.
- If you are being treated for lung cancer, screening and assessment of tumour status may be needed to check the appropriateness of therapy.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver or thyroid function, urine protein, complete blood count) may be done while you are being treated with Ramucirumab. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Regular monitoring for signs of bleeding and infusion-related reactions may also be needed.
Ramucirumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, nosebleed, hair loss, and hoarseness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- chest pain or tightness, weakness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- fits or seizures accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, blindness and altered consciousness
- chills, flushing, back pain, rapid heartbeat, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
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 Ramucirumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
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. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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