Cetuximab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 19, 2024.

Applies to cetuximab: intravenous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Cetuximab may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have a fever, chills, trouble with breathing, lightheadedness, fainting, or chest pain within a few hours after you receive it.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have a cough, difficulty with breathing, or other breathing problems while being treated with this medicine. These may be symptoms of a serious lung problem.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, dry skin, grooves or lines in the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen or sun-blocking lotion when you are outdoors. Wear protective clothing and hats. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. Some women using this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

Serious side effects of cetuximab

Along with its needed effects, cetuximab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cetuximab:

Other side effects of cetuximab

Some side effects of cetuximab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cetuximab: intravenous solution.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Acneiform rash (90%), alopecia (21%), skin fissures (19%), nail disorder (16%), skin disorder (15%), acne (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic necrolysis
• Frequency not reported: Superinfection of skin lesions
• Postmarketing reports: Life-threatening/fatal bullous mucocutaneous disease^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Deep vein thrombosis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (66%), nausea (55%), vomiting (41%), anorexia (36%), constipation (30%), stomatitis (26%), dyspepsia (14%), mucositis, dry mouth (12%)
• Postmarketing reports: Mucosal inflammation^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Leukopenia (25%), anemia (16%)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (49%), cough (30%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypomagnesemia (55%), sensory neuropathy (45%), weight loss (21%), peripheral edema (16%), dehydration (15%), severe hypomagnesemia (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypocalcemia, anorexia^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (56%), fever (29%), chills (16%), taste disturbance (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Frequency not reported: Late radiation toxicity^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Conjunctivitis (14%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blepharitis, keratitis^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (19%)
• Frequency not reported: Aseptic meningitis^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Kidney failure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Mild or moderate infusion related reactions
• Common (1% to 10%): Severe infusion related reactions (in some cases fatal)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (13%)
• Frequency not reported: Immunogenicity^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (14%), back pain (16%)^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): High alanine transaminase (43%), high aspartate transaminase (38%), high alkaline phosphatase (33%)^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (27%), confusion (18%), anxiety (14%), depression (14%)^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Infusion reaction (e.g., chills, rigors, dyspnea, tachycardia, bronchospasm, chest tightness, swelling, urticaria, hypotension, flushing, rash, hypertension, nausea, angioedema, pain, sweating, tremors, shaking, drug fever, or other hypersensitivity reaction) (15%)^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Cetuximab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer