Thoughts on Erbitux (Cetuximab)

Trubrit said:

I've read several things.....

both good and bad. 

Phil - one of our Stage IV survivort,  was on it. He had a terrible rash on his face and neck, and I do believe they call Irinotecan I Run To The Can because it can cause severe dhiarreha.  

I'm sure someone will post soon, that has been down that road, and can help you. 

And no, I CANNOT SPELL DIAHRRHEA and I'm sick of looking it up. 

Tru

I didn't get that side effect today, and I have an antibiotic on hand to take at first sign of rash. Also, the nurse told me that they have a doctor just for treating of rashes who has a plethora of possible treatments for it. And yes, I spent more time quizzing about the rash, than about possible heart aide effects 

SoCal42 said:

Erbitux

I’ve been on Erbitux for 10 weeks now, with irinotecan/5FU for lung mets. Moderate acne-like rash on face, scalp, chest and back. Taking doxycycline and Zyrtec daily, which helps. Had some allergic reaction at first infusion, so also receive IV Benadryl and IV prednisone at each infusion. Sore spots around multiple toenails and persistent cracking of skin on fingertips, so I often have to keep fingers protected with ointment.

I am proactively taking the antibiotic too. Guess good to know that rash comes even with it. I read your post last night, and thanks. It reminded me that no matter how tired I was, stop, and lotion up. 

It is only the first week, so I am not really feeling that yucky, except for food. On folfox, I gained weight, was starving all the time. Not sure if it is these two drugs, or the antibiotic, but I am definitely not starving and doubt I will gain weight this go round. The first 3 days I could basically only stomach bread with butter. Yesterday, I did add some cherries, and hoping today to eat some of this watermelon and berries that I bought before realizing was starting chemo this week.

Well, got the pimples already on the first round. I thought that happens on the second or third round. Thank goodness I got the antibiotics to take proactively or I am guessing it would be really bad.

Twinzma said:

Jim's on it

My hubby has been on it for about 14 months. The rash can get bad, but antibiotics clear it up pretty quickly. You need to avoid the sun for sure! He is, as you can tell by now, very stubborn and still gets a lot of sun exposure! I bought him a ton of sun shirts and a big floppy hat which helps. Now the most annoying thing for him is the splitting fingers and feet. In fact today he can hardly walk from them. We have tried every lotion under the sun and nothing gives relief or prevents it. The fingers have improved but the feet are a nightmare for him! He says that it is very painful. However the disease is not growing and is stable so there has to be something said for that. In regards to insurance, ours did not cover it so he applied for charity and it's completely covered. The drug manufacturer reduced the price for us and the hospital writes the rest off....So there are options if you are denied by insurance. 

My skin in face got a bit red, dry, and hurt around some of the pimples. I have a face cream that is very expensive,  but normally lasts well over a year. Anyway, I slathered it on and the next morning, still had a few pimples,  but no red or pain. So gonna keep splurging. I also have their body lotion so proactively using that hoping to not get that peeling skin effect. The cream is creme de la mer. I use their sunscreen also. Erbutix sends out a box of lotions and nail kit if you ask. I will keep that in my work desk as they are small and good to have some sunscreen handy.