Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Allergic reactions: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) can cause allergic reactions and side effects that are related to receiving the infusion. Some of these reactions can be severe. If you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, chills, lightheadedness, dizziness, or swelling of the face and throat, tell your doctor immediately or get immediate medical attention.
Diarrhea: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) can cause diarrhea that can lead to dehydration (loss of too much water from the body). If you experience severe diarrhea for more than a day, or if you have diarrhea along with fever, decreased urination, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium in the blood to change while taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab). If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; Dry Mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab).
Infusion reactions: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) can cause a hypersensitivity or infusion reaction. Symptoms of this type of reaction generally appear during the infusion of the medication and may include flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. These reactions can cause death if a health care provider is not informed immediately. If you experience any of these symptoms, or notice them happening to someone, let your nurse or doctor know immediately.
Kidney function: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) can cause decreased kidney function or kidney failure, especially for people who are experiencing dehydration, which can occur with severe diarrhea. If you experience puffy hands, face or feet, high blood pressure, unusual muscle cramping, or darkened urine, this medication may be affecting how well your kidneys are working. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible
The safety and effectiveness of using Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) have not been established for people with kidney problems. If you have decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: The safety and effectiveness of using Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) have not been established for people with liver problems. If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab).
Lung problems: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) and similar medications can cause lung problems. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while you are taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), contact your doctor immediately.
If you have or have had interstitial pneumonitis (swelling of the lungs causing cough and difficulty breathing) or Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring and thickening in the lungs with shortness of breath), discuss with your doctor how Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Skin reactions: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) commonly causes skin reactions. Some of these reactions can be severe. If you experience skin redness, itching, rash, peeling, cracks, dryness, or swelling and inflammation around the nails, contact your doctor. Since sunlight may worsen skin reactions caused by this medication, people taking it should wear sunscreen and a hat, and limit sun exposure.
Pregnancy: Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) should not be used during pregnancy. Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception while receiving Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) and for 6 months after stopping it. If you become pregnant while taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), it may affect your baby. If you are taking Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab), you should not breast-feed during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Vectibix 100 (Panitumumab) have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 years may be more at risk of side effects from this medication.