Brand Name(s)
In the U.S. and Canada, cetuximab is sold under the brand name Erbitux.
- United States: Erbitux
- Canada: Erbitux
Warning(s)
Cetuximab can cause serious side effects. You may be watched closely during the infusion and for some time afterward, especially with your first dose.
- Severe infusion reactions can happen during the infusion or several hours later. Signs include trouble breathing, wheezing, flushing, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, or blood pressure changes. Risk may be higher if you have had tick bites or a red meat (alpha-gal) allergy.
- Serious skin reactions can occur. An acne-like rash is common, but rare life-threatening reactions (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported. Get help right away for red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin.
- Rare but serious heart problems, including loss of heart function or sudden death, have happened when cetuximab is used with radiation or some chemotherapy. Tell your care team if you have heart disease, heart failure, or abnormal heart rhythms.
- Lung problems can occur, rarely severely. Watch for new or worsening cough, fever, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
- Sun can make skin reactions worse. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and protective clothing during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose.
- Infections can happen more easily. Wash your hands often and try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Electrolyte changes (especially low magnesium, and sometimes low calcium or potassium) are common. You will have regular blood tests.
- Eye irritation can occur. Report eye pain, redness, swelling, or changes in vision.
- If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, know that cetuximab can harm an unborn baby. A pregnancy test is usually done before starting. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose, as directed by your care team.
- Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose.
- Cetuximab may affect fertility. Talk with your care team if you plan to have children in the future.
- Drug interactions are possible. Tell all your healthcare providers and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Do not start or stop medicines without checking first.
- If you are getting radiation, ask about added side effects. Cetuximab can make radiation side effects worse in some people.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
Cetuximab is used in adults for certain cancers of the head and neck and for colorectal cancer.
- Head and neck cancer (squamous cell): May be used with radiation, or alone or with other medicines for disease that has come back or spread.
- Colorectal cancer: Used for some metastatic cancers. It is generally used only when tumor testing shows certain results (for example, RAS wild-type) and when the cancer uses the EGFR pathway.
Your care team uses tumor testing to decide if cetuximab is likely to help. Cetuximab may also be used for other reasons if your doctor thinks it is appropriate.
Mechanism of Action
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein on cells called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
- It attaches to EGFR on cancer cells and blocks signals that tell the cells to grow and divide.
- This can slow or stop cancer cell growth and may help shrink tumors.
- Blocking EGFR can also make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation or some chemotherapy drugs.
- By marking cancer cells, cetuximab may help your immune system recognize and attack them.
Because it targets a specific receptor, cetuximab is not traditional chemotherapy, but it can still cause side effects.
Common Side Effects
Not everyone has side effects, and many are manageable. Tell your care team about symptoms that bother you or do not go away.
- Skin and nails: Acne-like rash (often within 1–2 weeks), dry or itchy skin, cracking, redness, and nail changes. Sun can make rash worse.
- Digestive system: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
- Mouth and throat: Mouth sores, mouth irritation, dry mouth, or sore throat.
- General: Feeling tired or weak, headache, trouble sleeping, or weight loss.
- Muscles and joints: Bone, joint, or muscle pain; pain in arms or legs.
- Nose and sinuses: Runny or stuffy nose, sinus irritation, or cough.
- Taste and hair: Changes in taste; hair changes or hair loss.
- Electrolyte changes: Low magnesium or other electrolytes (found on blood tests) that can cause cramps, weakness, or abnormal heartbeat.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, severe rash, chest pain, sudden dizziness, or signs of infection (fever, chills, persistent sore throat) need urgent medical attention.
Learn more on MedlinePlus (Cetuximab Injection)
Last reviewed: 2025-12-17
