Erbitux,Vectibix.. any other EGFR inhibitors?

idlehunters

I am switching to an EGFR inhibitor. Never been on anything but Folfiri so this is all new to me. Would appreciate opinions on these 2 to help me make a choice. Starting new treatment May 17th. Thank you

Jennie

Erinb

My husband is on Erbitux and
My husband is on Erbitux and it is keeping everything stable for the most part. He is also on irinotecan and Avastin. Erbitux causes a rash and he spends a lot of time in the bathroom (which may be caused by the irinotecan). He also had some issues with his toes. The doctor has given him monocyclin and doxycyclin (both acne medications) to help with the rash, but it makes his tummy so he rarely takes it. He would rather deal with the dry skin and rash. The doctor also gave him steroids to help with the rash but they lower your immune system so he hasn't taken those either.
I hope it works well for you!
Erin

janie1

Erinb said:

My husband is on Erbitux and
My husband is on Erbitux and it is keeping everything stable for the most part. He is also on irinotecan and Avastin. Erbitux causes a rash and he spends a lot of time in the bathroom (which may be caused by the irinotecan). He also had some issues with his toes. The doctor has given him monocyclin and doxycyclin (both acne medications) to help with the rash, but it makes his tummy so he rarely takes it. He would rather deal with the dry skin and rash. The doctor also gave him steroids to help with the rash but they lower your immune system so he hasn't taken those either.
I hope it works well for you!
Erin

I wonder if the antibiotic
I wonder if the antibiotic Oracea would help with the rash that Erbitux and the other EGFR inhibitor (can't think of name...but starts with a P ) causes. I doubt that it has been used for that, but i wish doctors would try, and then give feedback. Anyway, my husband had/has seborrehic dermatitis, or rosacea....i don't think any derm really knows for sure. The first derm, prescibed meds for seborrehic dermatitis, including a topical steriod. Topical steroids can be bad in that if used too much, can cause a rebound effect, meaning the skin gets used to it, gets better with the steroid use, but gets even worse inbetween using it. My husband's skin got so irritated and raw, that I was afraid he needed a skin graft, or something. Luckily, he got a second opinion, and the new doc put him on Oracea, once-a-day, which he has been on for more than 4 years. It works great for whatever he has. The reason i wonder if it could work with the Erbitux rash is that Oracea is basically just a mild form of tetracycline (used for acne). Mild enough for daily use, and to use basically forever. It sounds like the onc docs are prescribing antiobiotics anyway, so why wouldn't this milder, once-a-day one help??? I sure would be interested in knowing if this could be a solution. Right now Oracea is stupid expensive, but i think the drug company gives rebates or something (i could ask my husband). A generic will probably be out in a few years, not sure. (sorry for rambling)

plh4gail

I don't know Jennie...only
I don't know Jennie...only 5fu, oxy, and irinotecan for me. Good luck with the new chemo and I'm so glad you get a great vacation first! Have a blast girlfriend!

Gail

Erinb

FYI My husband had a fever
FYI My husband had a fever this week and the doctor wrote him a scrip for CIPRO. It helped with the rash! It wasn't prescribed for his rash, but finally a side effect that was helpful:)
Erin

molly1029

My mother is on Vectibex.
My mother is on Vectibex. She has had five treatments so far and things have been going okay. She was but on an antibiotic before she started her treatments. Her rash isn't bad at all a few breakouts on her face. She has the worst of it on her scalp but was prescribed shampoo to help with that. Since she has been on this her CEA has been cut in half. She will be having a CT scan next Friday so we will see if her lung things have quit growing.