Relentless Erbitux Rash

rthornton
rthornton Member Posts: 346 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Two weeks ago I my doc started giving me CPT-11 and Erbitux. The CPT-11 made me horribly ill, so we immediately stopped it. I am still using Erbitux, which does not make me sick but I have a terrible rash on my chest, face, and even my scalp. I know that a rash is a common side effect of Erbitux. The doctor prescribed Clindomycin to fight the rash, but I'm not sure it's working. Has anyone used this drug? How long should it take to start (effectively) fighting the Erbitux rash? Are there any other medicines/antibodies I can use along with, or maybe even in place of, Clindomycin? As the rash looks really, really, really, really horrible and makes me painfully self-conscious whenever I leave the house, I will be most grateful for any information.

Thanks in advance!

Rodney

Comments

  • jdzed
    jdzed Member Posts: 12
    #2
    Rodney, I feel for you. I am going through the exact same scenario - I have my first dermotology appt. December 5th. I will let you know what I learn. Best of luck.
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #3
    Hi Rodney,
    Sorry you're having such a bad reaction to the medications and thanks for your reply to my question. I've been on the Erbitux for 21 weeks and after the first 2-3 weeks, I started to get the rash. It was over the summer and the heat definately made it worse. I have found that after a month or two, the rash on my face got better (it's still there a little but I don't feel paranoid about it at all) but it seems to be moving around on my body a little. I had it (still do to some extent) on my torso and scalp and it has moved to my legs too. I was given a steriod cream, triamciniolone, that seemed to help a bit. Also I was given an oral antibiotic, I don't remember the name, that I did 2, 7 day cycles with over the past 21 weeks. I am finding that the Erbitux has been drying my skin out like crazy and my fingertips start to split. The dry, cold weather does not help this and it sucks because I like to play guitar and it hinders that. I would ask about getting an antibiotic and the steriod cream. They may help. I've heard that having a reaction to the Erbitux is a good sign, it means it's working (although some people who have no side effects still have it work for them) so try to focus on the positive,
    Phil
  • optimist
    optimist Member Posts: 51
    #4
    I have been on Erbitux and CPT11 for the past eight weeks. The rash adds insult to injury after all we've been through. My rash was really bad on weeks 2 and three and has subsided greatly. I felt that Clindomycin reduced the outbreaks. I also used an acne coverup and treatment which made my face feel better. When the rash subsided, my skin was very dry. I use aquaphor on the really dry areas as well as a lot of moisturizer on all of my skin. My rash is not very noticeable at this point. Hang in, if it's like mine, it will get better after week four. I hope this helps.
  • jana11
    jana11 Member Posts: 705
    #5
    optimist said:

    I have been on Erbitux and CPT11 for the past eight weeks. The rash adds insult to injury after all we've been through. My rash was really bad on weeks 2 and three and has subsided greatly. I felt that Clindomycin reduced the outbreaks. I also used an acne coverup and treatment which made my face feel better. When the rash subsided, my skin was very dry. I use aquaphor on the really dry areas as well as a lot of moisturizer on all of my skin. My rash is not very noticeable at this point. Hang in, if it's like mine, it will get better after week four. I hope this helps.

    Oh Rodney - I hope this all gets better for you. I had to join in on this discussion. I am an aquaphor addict! ANd my finger tips are spliting too. And I have to wash my hands a million times a day. Hmm.

    I put aquaphor all over my dry skin several times a day. I also use a steriod cream too - but you don't want to use it on your face because it can thin the skin and cause permanent problems.

    Stay tough. jana
  • jdzed
    jdzed Member Posts: 12
    #6
    Hey Rodney,

    Just a follow up on my dermatology appointment: My doctor perscribed an antibiotic, Tetracycline (500 mg 2 times per day on empty stomach). In the last few days I noticed my facial rash seems to be settling down but my skin is really dry and my scalp is flaring up with a rash. Best of luck to you. Jim
  • doowahdaddy
    doowahdaddy Member Posts: 2
    #7
    I know the feeling. I've had the rash for 10 weeks now. The first 8 were with CPT-11 but now I am on Erbitux/Avasin only. The rash is mainly on face and scalp and the scalp part (folliculitis is by far the most painful.

    The scabs seem to take at least 3-4 weeks to heal. The sores seem to secrete a substance that , when hardened, is granular in texture. I have tried oral and topical anti-biotics, and topical corticosteriods and Elevil, without success. BUT Rodney- heres the good news. There is strong evidence that those who get the rash also get the most benefit from the Erbitux- Regardless of how much EGFR is expressed by the tumor.
    I, personally, would rather suffer the cosmetic implications of the rash and have success with the therapy, than have to endure traditional cytotoxic chemo. Best of luck to you

    cheers!

    james

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