Folfiri Plus Cetuximab Chemo Regimen

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.

• Care notes
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FOLFIRI plus cetuximab chemo regimen:

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. You will receive these medicines while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. The medicines need to be given on a fixed schedule. If you need to miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic immediately. The following medicines will be given day 1 and the infusion cycle will repeat every 14 days:

• Folinic acid IV over 2 hours
• Fluorouracil IV over 3 to 5 minutes, then over 46 hours
• Irinotecan IV over 90 minutes
• Cetuximab IV over 2 hours

Before you receive these medicines:

• Ask questions if you do not understand what your doctor or nurse is telling you about the medicines. Make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of this treatment.
• Talk to your doctor about all your current medicines and supplements. Some medicines and supplements can affect how irinotecan or cetuximab works. Examples include gemfibrozil, St John's wort, medicines to treat an infection, medicines to treat seizures, or radiation treatment. Do not take any medicines or supplements unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, or heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have bone marrow problems or any infections.
• Talk to your doctor about pregnancy. Medicines in this regimen may harm an unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment. Prevent pregnancy for at least 3 to 6 months after treatment ends, or as directed. This depends on if you are male or female. This medicine may cause infertility (unable to have children) if you are female. Talk with your doctor before receiving this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose.

On each infusion day:

• Medicines may be given to help with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and to decrease your risk for reactions.
• Blood may be drawn to make sure the doses you are being given are right for you. You may also need urine tests to check for side effects. Your doctor will use the results of your tests to decide if the treatment should continue as planned. Your doctor may lower doses, wait to give a dose until side effects go away, or switch you to a different treatment plan.

Infusion precautions:

• Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel short of breath or have trouble breathing during or after your infusion.
• Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the infusion site.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

After infusions:

• If possible, have someone stay with you to call for help if you have serious side effects.
• Drink extra liquids to help prevent nausea and to keep your kidneys and liver working well.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or cause vision problems. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Limit your time in the sun during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose.
• You may be at risk for infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Do not have close contact with anyone who is sick. Ask your doctor about vaccines you may need to prevent infections.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if you have any of the following:

• Hives, swelling in your lips, face, or throat, headache, lightheadedness, fainting, flushing
• Chest tightness or pain, trouble breathing or swallowing
• Seizures

Call your nurse or doctor immediately if you have any of the following:

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea not helped by medicines
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine, lower back or side pain
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, bone pain

Talk to your nurse or doctor if you have any of the following:

• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
• Hair loss, changes in color of your skin, fingernails, or toenails
• Anxiety, confusion, trouble sleeping
• Constipation, stomach cramps, weight loss

Follow up with your oncologist as directed:

Your oncologist will need to check your progress at regular visits. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for side effects.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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