ERBITUX cetuximab 2 mg/mL Solution
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antagonist class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
- Erbitux is not a traditional chemotherapy. It's a targeted therapy called a monoclonal antibody. Instead of attacking all fast-dividing cells the way chemotherapy does, it zeroes i...
- What exactly does Erbitux do — is it a chemotherapy drug?
- The most important thing to watch for is an infusion reaction — this can happen during the drip or even a few hours after. Signs include sudden trouble breathing, throat tightness,...
- What should I watch for during and after my infusion?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Cetuximab — tap one for details:
Cetuximab may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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IACT rows and label-wide narrative are kept separate; availability and product-level specificity depend on the submitted label.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per mL | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $15.56 | $778.22 / 50 ml |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J9055 | $81.666 / J9055 unit | — |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erbitux 2 mg/mLthis 66733-0948-23 | ImClone | 1 vial | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Erbitux 2 mg/mL 66733-0958-23 | ImClone | 1 vial | — | — | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & biosimilar status
Biologics have no small-molecule generics; biosimilar competition is tracked in the FDA Purple Book.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66733-0948-23 You're viewing this | 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (66733-948-23) / 50 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE | 2004-02-12 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
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| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | — Not published for this NDC The labeler did not submit a structured excipient list, or no SPL is available. |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🚨 Boxed Warning ▾
WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST Infusion Reactions: ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX with radiation therapy or a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil.
Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.6 )] . WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions.
( 5.1 , 6 ) Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 ) Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX with radiation therapy or with a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX administration.
( 5.2 , 5.6 )
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ERBITUX ® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of: Head and Neck Cancer Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy.
( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Colorectal Cancer K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer as determined by an FDA-approved test in combination with FOLFIRI for first-line treatment, in combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, as a single-agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan. ( 1.2 , 5.7 , 12.1 , 14.2 ) Limitations of Use: ERBITUX is not indicated for treatment of Ras-mutant colorectal cancer or when the results of the Ras mutation tests are unknown.
( 5.7 ) BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy. ( 1.3 )
1.1Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) ERBITUX ® is indicated: in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic SCCHN. as a single-agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed.
1.2K-Ras Wild-type, EGFR-expressing Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ERBITUX is indicated for the treatment of K-Ras wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] : in combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment, in combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, as a single-agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan.
Limitations of Use: ERBITUX is not indicated for treatment of Ras-mutant colorectal cancer or when the results of the Ras mutation tests are unknown [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] .
1.3BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ERBITUX is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Premedicate with an H 1 receptor antagonist. ( 2.4 ) In Combination With Radiation Therapy: Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks).
( 2.2 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) As Single-Agent or in Combination With Chemotherapy: Weekly: Administer initial dose of 400 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion, and subsequent doses of 250 mg/m 2 infused over 60 minutes once weekly. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Biweekly: Administer 500 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every two weeks.
( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to chemotherapy. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for dosage adjustments for adverse reactions.
( 2.5 )
2.1Patient Selection Select patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) for treatment with ERBITUX based on the presence of: Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing CRC [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )], or BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic CRC [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of K-Ras or BRAF V600E mutations in CRC in patients with metastatic CRC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics.
2.2Recommended Dosage for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) In combination with radiation therapy Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy.
As a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Weekly Dosage Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week Biweekly Dosage Initial and subsequent doses: 500 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every 2 weeks Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil.
Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
2.3Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) As a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Weekly Dosage Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week Biweekly Dosage Initial and subsequent doses: 500 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every 2 weeks Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to irinotecan or FOLFIRI.
Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In combination with encorafenib The recommended initial dose is 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion in combination with encorafenib. The recommended subsequent dosage is 250 mg/m 2 weekly as a 60-minute infusion in combination with encorafenib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Refer to the encorafenib prescribing information for recommended encorafenib dosage information.
2.4Premedication Premedicate with a histamine-1 (H 1 ) receptor antagonist intravenously 30–60 minutes prior to the first dose or subsequent doses as deemed necessary [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] .
2.5 Dosage Modifications for Adver…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 100 mg/50 mL (2 mg/mL) or 200 mg/100 mL (2 mg/mL) as a clear, colorless solution in a single-dose vial. Injection: 100 mg/50 mL (2 mg/mL) or 200 mg/100 mL (2 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial. ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion Reactions: Monitor patients following infusion. Immediately stop and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 , 5.1 ) Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Monitor serum electrolytes during and after ERBITUX.
( 5.2 , 5.6 ) Pulmonary Toxicity: Interrupt or permanently discontinue for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. ( 2.5 , 5.3 ) Dermatologic Toxicity: Monitor for dermatologic toxicities or infectious sequelae. Limit sun exposure.
( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Hypomagnesemia and Accompanying Electrolyte Abnormalities: Monitor during treatment and for at least 8 weeks following the completion. Replete electrolytes as necessary. ( 5.6 ) Increased tumor progression, increased mortality, or lack of benefit observed in patients with Ras-mutant mCRC.
( 5.7 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.8 , 8.1 , 8.3 )
5.1Infusion Reactions ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions. Infusion reactions of any grade occurred in 8.4% of 1373 patients who received ERBITUX across clinical trials. Severe (Grades 3 and 4) infusion reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
Signs and symptoms included rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm, stridor, hoarseness), hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, myocardial infarction, and/or cardiac arrest. The risk of anaphylactic reactions may be increased in patients with a history of tick bites, red meat allergy, or in the presence of IgE antibodies directed against galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Consider testing patients for alpha-gal IgE antibodies using FDA-cleared methods prior to initiating ERBITUX.
Negative results for alpha-gal antibodies do not rule out the risk of severe infusion reactions. Approximately 90% of severe infusion reactions occurred with the first infusion despite premedication with antihistamines. Infusion reactions may occur during or several hours following completion of the infusion.
Premedicate with a histamine-1(H 1 ) receptor antagonist as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . Monitor patients for at least 1 hour following each ERBITUX infusion, in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis. In patients requiring treatment for infusion reactions, monitor for more than 1 hour to confirm resolution of the reaction.
Interrupt the infusion and upon recovery, resume the infusion at a slower rate or permanently discontinue ERBITUX based on severity [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] .
5.2Cardiopulmonary Arrest ERBITUX can cause cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in 2% of 208 patients treated with radiation therapy and ERBITUX in BONNER. Three patients with prior history of coronary artery disease died at home, with myocardial infarction as the presumed cause of death.
One of these patients had arrhythmia and one had congestive heart failure. Death occurred 27, 32, and 43 days after the last dose of ERBITUX. One patient with no prior history of coronary artery disease died one day after the last dose of ERBITUX.
In EXTREME, fatal cardiac disorders and/or sudden death occurred in 3% of 219 patients treated with a cetuximab product in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Carefully consider use of ERBITUX with radiation therapy or platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil in patients with SCCHN with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias. Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] .
5.3Pulmonary Toxicity ERBITUX can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD, including 1 fatality, occurred in <0.5% of 1570 patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity. Interrupt o…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary arrest [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
Dermatologic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) with Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy (FOLFIRI, Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil/Platinum) are: cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection.
( 6 ) The most common adverse reactions (>25%) for ERBITUX, in combination with encorafenib, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, arthralgia, and rash. ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described in Warnings and Precautions reflect exposure to ERBITUX in 1373 patients with SCCHN or CRC enrolled in clinical trials and treated at the recommended dosage for a median of 7 to 14 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 )] .
The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials with ERBITUX as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy [FOLFIRI, irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/platinum] (incidence ≥25%) include cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) In Combination with Radiation Therapy The safety of ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy compared to radiation therapy alone was evaluated in BONNER.
The data described below reflect exposure to ERBITUX in 420 patients with locally or regionally advanced SCCHN. ERBITUX was administered at the recommended dosage (400 mg/m 2 initial dose, followed by 250 mg/m 2 weekly). Patients received a median of 8 infusions (range 1 to 11) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] .
Table 2 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions in BONNER. Table 2: Selected Adverse Reactions in ≥10% of Patients with Locoregionally Advanced SCCHN (BONNER) a Adverse Reaction ERBITUX with Radiation (n=208) Radiation Therapy Alone (n=212) Grades 1–4 b Grades 3 and 4 Grades 1–4 Grades 3 and 4 a Adverse reactions occurring in ≥10% of patients in the ERBITUX combination arm and at a higher incidence (≥5%) compared to the radiation alone arm. b Adverse reactions were graded using the NCI CTC, version 2.0. c Includes cases also reported as infusion reaction. d Infusion reaction defined as any event described at any time during the clinical study as “allergic reaction” or “anaphylactoid reaction”, or any event occurring on the first day of dosing described as “allergic reaction”, “anaphylactoid reaction”, “fever”, “chills”, “chills and fever”, or “dyspnea”. e Based on laboratory measurements, not on reported adverse reactions, the number of subjects with tested samples varied from 205–206 for ERBITUX with Radiation arm; 209–210 for Radiation alone. f Acneiform rash defined as any event described as “acne”, “rash”, “maculopapular rash”, “pustular rash”, “dry skin”, or “exfoliative dermatitis”.
General Asthenia 56 4 49 5 Fever c 29 1 13 1 Headache 19 <1 8 <1 Chills c 16 0 5 0 Infusion Reaction d 15 3 2 0 Infection 13 1 9 1 Gastrointestinal Nausea 49 2 37 2 Emesis 29 2 23 4 Diarrhea 19 2 13 1 Dyspepsia 14 0 9 1 Metabolism and Nutrition Weight Loss 84 11 72 7 Dehydrati…
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 )
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion.
Disruption or depletion of EGFR in animal models results in impairment of embryo-fetal development including effects on placental, lung, cardiac, skin, and neural development ( see Data ). Human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, cetuximab may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively. Data Animal Data Pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered cetuximab intravenously once weekly during the period of organogenesis (gestation day [GD] 20-48) at dose levels 0.4 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on body surface area (BSA). Cetuximab was detected in the amniotic fluid and in the serum of embryos from treated dams on GD 49.
While no fetal malformations occurred in offspring, there was an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortions at doses approximately 1 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on BSA. In mice, EGFR is critically important in reproductive and developmental processes including blastocyst implantation, placental development, and embryo-fetal/postnatal survival and development. Reduction or elimination of embryo-fetal or maternal EGFR signaling can prevent implantation, can cause embryo-fetal loss during various stages of gestation (through effects on placental development), and can cause developmental anomalies and early death in surviving fetuses.
Adverse developmental outcomes were observed in multiple organs in embryos/neonates of mice with disrupted EGFR signaling.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of ERBITUX in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Human IgG antibodies can be excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from ERBITUX, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX.
8.3Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ERBITUX [see Use in Specific Population ( 8.1 )] . Contraception Based on its mechanism of action, ERBITUX can cause harm to the fetus when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX.
Infertility Females Based on animal studies, ERBITUX may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] .
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ERBITUX in pediatric patients have not been established. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab, in combination with irinotecan, were evaluated in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors in an open-label, single-arm, dose-finding study. ERBITUX was administered once-weekly, at doses up to 250 mg/m 2 , to 27 patients ranging from 1 to 12 years old; and in 19 patients ranging from 13 to 18 years old.
No new safety signals were identified in pediatric patients. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab between the two age groups were similar following a single dose of 75 mg/m 2 and 150 mg/m…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion.
Disruption or depletion of EGFR in animal models results in impairment of embryo-fetal development including effects on placental, lung, cardiac, skin, and neural development ( see Data ). Human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, cetuximab may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively. Data Animal Data Pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered cetuximab intravenously once weekly during the period of organogenesis (gestation day [GD] 20-48) at dose levels 0.4 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on body surface area (BSA). Cetuximab was detected in the amniotic fluid and in the serum of embryos from treated dams on GD 49.
While no fetal malformations occurred in offspring, there was an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortions at doses approximately 1 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on BSA. In mice, EGFR is critically important in reproductive and developmental processes including blastocyst implantation, placental development, and embryo-fetal/postnatal survival and development. Reduction or elimination of embryo-fetal or maternal EGFR signaling can prevent implantation, can cause embryo-fetal loss during various stages of gestation (through effects on placental development), and can cause developmental anomalies and early death in surviving fetuses.
Adverse developmental outcomes were observed in multiple organs in embryos/neonates of mice with disrupted EGFR signaling.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ERBITUX in pediatric patients have not been established. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab, in combination with irinotecan, were evaluated in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors in an open-label, single-arm, dose-finding study. ERBITUX was administered once-weekly, at doses up to 250 mg/m 2 , to 27 patients ranging from 1 to 12 years old; and in 19 patients ranging from 13 to 18 years old.
No new safety signals were identified in pediatric patients. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab between the two age groups were similar following a single dose of 75 mg/m 2 and 150 mg/m 2 . The volume of the distribution appears to be independent of dose and approximates the vascular space of 2 L/m 2 to 3 L/m 2 .
Following a single dose of 250 mg/m 2 , the mean AUC 0-inf (CV%) was 17.7 mg*h/mL (34%) in the younger age group (1–12 years, n=9) and 13.4 mg*h/mL (38%) in the adolescent group (13–18 years, n=6). The mean half-life of cetuximab was 110 hours (69 to 188 hours) in the younger group and 82 hours (55 to 117 hours) in the adolescent group.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Of the 1662 patients with advanced colorectal cancer who received ERBITUX with irinotecan, with FOLFIRI or as single-agent in six studies (BOND, IMCL-CP02-9923, IMCL-CP02-0141, IMCL-CP02-0144, CA225-025 and CRYSTAL), 35% of patients were 65 years of age or older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these patients and younger patients. Clinical studies of ERBITUX conducted in patients with head and neck cancer did not include sufficient number of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Of the 216 patients with BRAF V600E mutation positive metastatic CRC who received ERBITUX in combination with encorafenib 300 mg, once daily, 29% were 65 years of age to up to 75 years of age, while 20 (9%) were 75 years of age and over [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . No overall differences in the safety or effectiveness of ERBITUX plus encorafenib were observed in elderly patients as compared to younger patients.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of a subfamily of type I receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4. The EGFR is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle. Expression of EGFR is also detected in many human cancers including those of the head and neck, colon, and rectum.
Cetuximab binds specifically to the EGFR on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands, such as transforming growth factor-alpha. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that binding of cetuximab to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor production.
Signal transduction through the EGFR results in activation of wild-type Ras proteins, but in cells with activating Ras somatic mutations, the resulting mutant Ras proteins are continuously active regardless of EGFR regulation. In vitro , cetuximab can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against certain human tumor types. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that cetuximab inhibits the growth and survival of tumor cells that express the EGFR.
No anti-tumor effects of cetuximab were observed in human tumor xenografts lacking EGFR expression. The addition of cetuximab to radiation therapy or irinotecan in human tumor xenograft models in mice resulted in an increase in anti-tumor effects compared to radiation therapy or chemotherapy alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant CRC, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway activation has been identified as a mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Combinations of a BRAF inhibitor and agents targeting EGFR have been shown to overcome this resistance mechanism in nonclinical models. Coadministration of cetuximab and encorafenib had an anti-tumor effect greater than either drug alone, in a mouse model of colorectal cancer with mutated BRAF V600E.
12.3Pharmacokinetics ERBITUX administered as a single-agent or in combination with concomitant chemotherapy or radiation therapy exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics. The area under the concentration time curve (AUC) increased in a greater than dose proportional manner while clearance of cetuximab decreased from
0.08 L/h/m 2 to
0.02L/h/m 2 as the dose increased from 20 mg/m 2 to 200 mg/m 2 and plateaued at doses >200 mg/m 2 . The systemic exposure of cetuximab after ERBITUX administration was 22% (90% CI: 6%, 38%) higher than that of another cetuximab product used in EXTREME and CRYSTAL. Distribution The volume of the distribution for cetuximab appeared to be independent of dose and approximated the vascular space of 2–3 L/m 2 .
Elimination Following the recommended dosage (400 mg/m 2 initial dose; 250 mg/m 2 weekly dose), concentrations of cetuximab reached steady-state levels by the third weekly infusion with mean peak and trough concentrations across studies ranging from 168 μg/mL to 235 μg/mL and 41 μg/mL to 85 μg/mL, respectively. The mean half-life of cetuximab was approximately 112 hours (63 to 230 hours). Specific Population Age, sex, race, hepatic and renal function had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of cetuximab.
Clearance of cetuximab increased 1.8-fold as body surface area increased from 1.3 m 2 to 2.3 m 2 , which is consistent with the recommended dosing of cetuximab on mg/m 2 basis. Drug Interaction Studies No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between cetuximab and irinotecan, cetuximab and cisplatin, and cetuximab and carboplatin. No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of cetuximab or encorafenib were observed when the recommended ERBITUX initial dose of 400 mg/m 2…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of a subfamily of type I receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4. The EGFR is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle. Expression of EGFR is also detected in many human cancers including those of the head and neck, colon, and rectum.
Cetuximab binds specifically to the EGFR on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands, such as transforming growth factor-alpha. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that binding of cetuximab to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor production.
Signal transduction through the EGFR results in activation of wild-type Ras proteins, but in cells with activating Ras somatic mutations, the resulting mutant Ras proteins are continuously active regardless of EGFR regulation. In vitro , cetuximab can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against certain human tumor types. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that cetuximab inhibits the growth and survival of tumor cells that express the EGFR.
No anti-tumor effects of cetuximab were observed in human tumor xenografts lacking EGFR expression. The addition of cetuximab to radiation therapy or irinotecan in human tumor xenograft models in mice resulted in an increase in anti-tumor effects compared to radiation therapy or chemotherapy alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant CRC, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway activation has been identified as a mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Combinations of a BRAF inhibitor and agents targeting EGFR have been shown to overcome this resistance mechanism in nonclinical models. Coadministration of cetuximab and encorafenib had an anti-tumor effect greater than either drug alone, in a mouse model of colorectal cancer with mutated BRAF V600E.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied ERBITUX ® (cetuximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution in a 2 mg/mL single-dose vial supplied as follows: 100 mg/50 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-948-23) 200 mg/100 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-958-23) Storage and Handling Store vials under refrigeration at 2° C to 8° C (36° F to 46° F). Do not freeze or shake. Increased particulate formation may occur at temperatures at or below 0° C (32° F).
Discard any remaining solution in the infusion container after 8 hours at controlled room temperature or after 12 hours at 2° C to 8° C. Discard any unused portion of the vial.
How Supplied ERBITUX ® (cetuximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution in a 2 mg/mL single-dose vial supplied as follows: 100 mg/50 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-948-23) 200 mg/100 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-958-23)
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Storage and Handling Store vials under refrigeration at 2° C to 8° C (36° F to 46° F). Do not freeze or shake. Increased particulate formation may occur at temperatures at or below 0° C (32° F). Discard any remaining solution in the infusion container after 8 hours at controlled room temperature or after 12 hours at 2° C to 8° C. Discard any unused portion of the vial.
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist. It is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab is composed of the Fv regions of a murine anti-EGFR antibody with human IgG1 heavy and kappa light chain constant regions and has an approximate molecular weight of 152 kDa.
Cetuximab is produced in mammalian (murine myeloma) cell culture. ERBITUX (cetuximab) injection for intravenous use, is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution, which may contain a small amount of visible, white, amorphous cetuximab particulates in a single-dose vial. Each 1 mL of solution contains 2 mg of cetuximab, sodium chloride (8.48 mg), sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate (1.88 mg), sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate (0.41 mg), and Water for Injection, USP at pH of 7.0 to 7.4.
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Infusion Reactions Advise patients that the risk of serious infusion reactions may be increased in patients who have had a tick bite or red meat allergy. Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider and to report signs and symptoms of infusion reactions, including late onset infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or breathing problems [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary Arrest Advise patients of the risk of cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death and to report any history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .
Pulmonary Toxicity Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately for new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Dermatologic Toxicities Advise patients to limit sun exposure during ERBITUX treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider of any sign of acne-like rash, (which can include itchy, dry, scaly, or cracking skin and inflammation, infection or swelling at the base of the nails or loss of the nails), conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or decreased vision [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] .
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Advise female patients of reproductive potential of the potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception during ERBITUX treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ), Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 )] . Lactation Advise patients not to breastfeed during ERBITUX treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.2 )] .
ERBITUX ® is a registered trademark of ImClone LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Manufactured by ImClone LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, Branchburg, NJ 08876 USA Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA US License No. 1827 Copyright © 2004, 2021, ImClone LLC a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company.
All rights reserved. ERB-0009-USPI-20210927