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Vectibix (Amgen)

Vectibix (Amgen) - General Information

Vectibix (Amgen) (ABX-EGF) is a fully human monoclonal antibody specific to the EGF receptor.

 

Pharmacology of Vectibix (Amgen)

Vectibix (Amgen) is a recombinant, human IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Overexpression of EGFR is detected in many human cancers, including those of the colon and rectum. When Vectibix (Amgen) binds to EGFR it competitively inhibits the binding of ligands for EGFR. This results in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine and vascular growth factor production.

 

Vectibix (Amgen) for patients

Panitumumab (marketed as Vectibix)

This is a summary of the most important information about Vectibix. For details, talk to your healthcare professional.

What Is Vectibix?

Vectibix is a chemotherapy medicine (medicine used to kill cancer cells). It is given in a vein (I.V. infusion). Vectibix is used to treat a type of cancer of the colon or rectum (EGRF-expressing colorectal carcinoma) that has spread to other areas of the body (metastatic) on or after treatment with standard chemotherapy.

At this time, it is not known whether Vectibix will improve symptoms of EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer or help these patients live longer.

Vectibix has not been studied in children.

What Are The Risks?

The following are the major potential risks and side effects of Vectibix therapy. However, this list is not complete.

  • Severe skin reactions. Vectibix may cause pimples, itching, red colored skin, rash, peeling skin, dry skin and cracks in the skin. Infection can develop and may lead to death. These severe reactions may also happen to the stomach and intestine lining, eyes and nails. Call your healthcare professional right away if you have any skin or eye reaction.
  • Sun sensitivity. Sunlight can worsen skin reactions so wear sunscreen and hats and limit sun exposure while receiving Vectibix.
  • Severe infusion reactions may occur during I.V. infusion with Vectibix. Sudden symptoms include trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fever, chills and low blood pressure.
  • A severe lung problem called pulmonary fibrosis that may lead to death.
  • Diarrhea. Diarrhea may be more severe, and may lead to death, when used with other chemotherapy medicines including irinotecan, bolus 5-fluorouracil, and leukovorin (IFL). The use of Vectibix with IFL is not recommended.
  • Loss of blood salts (electrolytes) including magnesium and calcium. Your healthcare professional should monitor your blood and treat low electrolyte levels.
  • Other side effects that may occur with Vectibix include: tiredness, stomach area pain, nausea, constipation, vomiting, cough and swelling of arms and legs.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before you start treatment with Vectibix, tell your healthcare professional if you:

  • have lung problems
  • are pregnant. Women should not get pregnant during treatment with Vectibix because they may lose or cause harm to the fetus. Birth control should be used during treatment with Vectibix and for 6 months after stopping treatment.
  • are trying to become pregnant. Vectibix may affect the ability of a woman to get pregnant.
  • are breast-feeding. Women should not breastfeed during treatment with Vectibix and for 2 months after stopping treatment.

Can Other Medicines Or Food Affect Vectibix?

It is not known if Vectibix and other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare professional.

How Should I Receive Vectibix?

  • Vectibix is given by IV infusion over 60 or 90 minutes every 14 days.
  • The infusion may be slowed or stopped if a severe infusion reaction occurs.
  • The dose may be lowered or treatment with Vectibix stopped if a severe skin reaction occurs.

 

Vectibix (Amgen) Interactions

No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted with Vectibix.

 

Vectibix (Amgen) Contraindications

None known.

 

Additional information about Vectibix (Amgen)

Vectibix (Amgen) Indication: For the treatment of EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal carcinoma with disease progression on or following fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan- containing chemotherapy regimens.
Mechanism Of Action: Vectibix (Amgen) binds specifically to EGFR on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of ligands for EGFR. Nonclinical studies show that binding of panitumumab to the EGFR prevents ligand-induced receptor autophosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine and vascular growth factor production, and internalization of the EGFR.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Panitumumab
Synonyms: ABX-EGF
Drug Category: Antineoplastic Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Panitumumab: Vectibix (Amgen);
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Panitumumab was shown to cause skin, ocular and mucosal related toxicities in 90% of patients receiving panitumumab. Subsequent to the development of severe dermatologic toxicities, infectious complications, including sepsis, septic death, and abscesses requiring incisions and drainage, were reported.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: 7.5 days (range: 4-11 days)
Dosage Forms of Vectibix (Amgen): Solution Intravenous drip
Chemical IUPAC Name: Not Available
Chemical Formula: Not Available
Panitumumab on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panitumumab
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals