What is Vectibix (panitumumab), and what is it used for?
Brand name: Vectibix
Generic: panitumumab
Vectibix (panitumumab) injection is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of metastatic (cancer that has spread) colorectal cancer wild-type RAS. Vectibix may be used alone or with other medications.
It is not known if Vectibix is safe and effective in children.
What are the side effects of Vectibix?
WARNING
DERMATOLOGIC TOXICITY
Dermatologic toxicities occurred in 90% of patients and were severe (NCI-CTC grade 3 and higher) in 15% of patients receiving Vectibix monotherapy.
What are the serious side effects of Vectibix?
Vectibix may cause serious side effects including:
- hives,
- difficulty breathing,
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- lightheadedness,
- chills,
- fever,
- chest tightness,
- severe or ongoing diarrhea,
- sudden chest pain or discomfort,
- wheezing,
- dry cough or hack,
- shortness of breath,
- redness, swelling, or irritation of your eyes or eyelids,
- vision changes,
- swelling of your face,
- leg cramps,
- constipation,
- irregular heartbeats,
- fluttering in your chest,
- increased thirst or urination,
- numbness or tingling,
- muscle weakness,
- limp feeling,
- increased thirst,
- feeling hot,
- inability to urinate,
- heavy sweating,
- hot and dry skin,
- painful or difficult urination,
- swelling in your feet or ankles,
- tiredness,
- severe or worsening acne,
- swelling or infection around your finger or toenails,
- skin itching, and
- redness, dryness, peeling, cracking, or oozing from your skin
Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
What are the common side effects of Vectibix?
The most common side effects of Vectibix include:
- acne,
- dry skin,
- rash,
- itching,
- swelling or irritation around your fingernails or toenails,
- loss of appetite,
- nausea,
- diarrhea,
- blisters or ulcers in your mouth,
- red or swelling gums,
- trouble swallowing,
- tired feeling,
- weakness, and
- low potassium
Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Vectibix. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Vectibix contraindications, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety
Pregnancy
- Vectibix can result in fetal harm. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment with Vectibix, and for at least 2 months after the last dose and to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy.
Lactation
- Women should not breastfeed during treatment with Vectibix and for 2 months after the last dose.
Infertility
- Women of reproductive potential of the potential may experience reduced fertility from Vectibix.
Sun Exposure
- Limit sun exposure (use sunscreen, wear hats) while receiving Vectibix and for 2 months after the last dose of Vectibix therapy.

QUESTION
What are risk factors for developing colon cancer? See AnswerSummary
Vectibix (panitumumab) injection is a cancer medication used to treat the symptoms of metastatic colorectal cancer, or cancer that has spread. Serious side effects of Vectibix include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face/lips/tongue/throat, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, chills, fever, chest tightness, severe or ongoing diarrhea, sudden chest pain or discomfort, and others.
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