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ERBITUX

cetuximab · Solution

Prescription Biologic BLA Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
ERBITUX
Generic name
cetuximab
Dosage form
Solution
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
BLA · BLA
Labeler
ImClone LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
75% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Cetuximab 2 mg/mL 1657658 —

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Solution
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
4

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antagonist [EPC] EPC 2 members — no class page
HER1 Antagonists [MoA] MoA 2 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
125084
Application type
BLA · Biologics License Application
Approval date
February 12, 2004
Sponsor
IMCLONE
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
27
Products approved under application 125084.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
125084-001 ERBITUX VIAL CETUXIMAB Prescription —

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 125084.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 279 Efficacy Approved September 24, 2021 Standard
Supplement 280 Efficacy Approved April 6, 2021 Standard
Supplement 277 Efficacy Approved April 6, 2021 Standard
Supplement 275 Labeling Approved November 10, 2020 Standard
Supplement 273 Labeling Approved April 23, 2019 Standard
Supplement 269 Labeling Approved June 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 268 Labeling Approved May 4, 2018 Standard
Supplement 265 Labeling Approved October 11, 2016 Standard
Supplement 262 Labeling Approved April 10, 2015 Standard
Supplement 263 Labeling Approved March 11, 2015 Standard
Supplement 242 Labeling Approved March 4, 2013 Standard
Supplement 225 Efficacy Approved July 6, 2012 Standard
Supplement 228 Labeling Approved January 24, 2012 Standard
Supplement 229 Labeling Approved January 19, 2012 Standard
Supplement 153 Efficacy Approved November 7, 2011 Priority
Supplement 203 Labeling Approved March 24, 2011 Standard
Supplement 193 Labeling Approved July 8, 2010 Standard
Supplement 168 Supplement Approved July 17, 2009 —
Supplement 167 Labeling Approved July 17, 2009 Standard
Supplement 139 Labeling Approved September 12, 2008 Standard
Supplement 112 Labeling Approved November 20, 2007 Standard
Supplement 103 Efficacy Approved October 2, 2007 Priority
Supplement 76 Efficacy Approved March 1, 2006 Priority
Supplement 46 Efficacy Approved March 1, 2006 Priority
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved September 1, 2005 Standard
Supplement 1 Supplement Approved June 18, 2004 —
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved February 12, 2004 Priority

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · September 29, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · September 28, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 12, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 12, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 12, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · May 12, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · April 7, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · April 7, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · November 13, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · November 12, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · April 26, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · April 25, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · June 6, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · June 5, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · May 8, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · May 4, 2018
  • 0 · Supplement · February 22, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · October 14, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · April 14, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · April 13, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · March 12, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · March 12, 2015
  • 0 · Supplement · March 8, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · March 5, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · July 9, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · July 6, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · March 20, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · January 31, 2012
  • 0 · Supplement · January 31, 2012

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260416). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260416

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST Infusion Reactions: ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX with radiation therapy or a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.6 )] . WARNING: INFUSION REACTIONS and CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions. ( 5.1 , 6 ) Immediately interrupt and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 ) Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving ERBITUX with radiation therapy or with a cetuximab product with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX administration. ( 5.2 , 5.6 )

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage ( 1.3 ) 09/2021 Dosage and Administration Recommended Dosage for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) ( 2.1 ) 04/2021 Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ( 2.2 ) 04/2021 Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 , 2.3 ) 09/2021 Warnings and Precautions, Infusion Reactions ( 5.1 ) 11/2020

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE ERBITUX ® is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist indicated for treatment of: Head and Neck Cancer Locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck progressing after platinum-based therapy. ( 1.1 , 14.1 ) Colorectal Cancer K-Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer as determined by an FDA-approved test in combination with FOLFIRI for first-line treatment, in combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, as a single-agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan. ( 1.2 , 5.7 , 12.1 , 14.2 ) Limitations of Use: ERBITUX is not indicated for treatment of Ras-mutant colorectal cancer or when the results of the Ras mutation tests are unknown. ( 5.7 ) BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy. ( 1.3 ) 1.1 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) ERBITUX ® is indicated: in combination with radiation therapy for the initial treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). in combination with platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil for the first-line treatment of patients with recurrent locoregional disease or metastatic SCCHN. as a single-agent for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN for whom prior platinum-based therapy has failed. 1.2 K-Ras Wild-type, EGFR-expressing Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ERBITUX is indicated for the treatment of K-Ras wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] : in combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment, in combination with irinotecan in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy, as a single-agent in patients who have failed oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy or who are intolerant to irinotecan. Limitations of Use: ERBITUX is not indicated for treatment of Ras-mutant colorectal cancer or when the results of the Ras mutation tests are unknown [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . 1.3 BRAF V600E Mutation-Positive Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ERBITUX is indicated, in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Premedicate with an H 1 receptor antagonist. ( 2.4 ) In Combination With Radiation Therapy: Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). ( 2.2 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy. ( 2.2 ) As Single-Agent or in Combination With Chemotherapy: Weekly: Administer initial dose of 400 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion, and subsequent doses of 250 mg/m 2 infused over 60 minutes once weekly. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Biweekly: Administer 500 mg/m 2 as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every two weeks. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to chemotherapy. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) See full prescribing information for dosage adjustments for adverse reactions. ( 2.5 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Select patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) for treatment with ERBITUX based on the presence of: Ras wild-type, EGFR-expressing CRC [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )], or BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic CRC [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of K-Ras or BRAF V600E mutations in CRC in patients with metastatic CRC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) In combination with radiation therapy Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion one week prior to initiating a course of radiation therapy. Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week for the duration of radiation therapy (6–7 weeks). Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to radiation therapy. As a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Weekly Dosage Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week Biweekly Dosage Initial and subsequent doses: 500 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every 2 weeks Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. 2.3 Recommended Dosage for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) As a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) Administer Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with irinotecan or FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) on a weekly or biweekly schedule. Weekly Dosage Initial dose: 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion Subsequent doses: 250 mg/m 2 administered as a 60-minute infusion every week Biweekly Dosage Initial and subsequent doses: 500 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion every 2 weeks Complete ERBITUX administration 1 hour prior to irinotecan or FOLFIRI. Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In combination with encorafenib The recommended initial dose is 400 mg/m 2 administered as a 120-minute intravenous infusion in combination with encorafenib. The recommended subsequent dosage is 250 mg/m 2 weekly as a 60-minute infusion in combination with encorafenib until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Refer to the encorafenib prescribing information for recommended encorafenib dosage information. 2.4 Premedication Premedicate with a histamine-1 (H 1 ) receptor antagonist intravenously 30–60 minutes prior to the first dose or subsequent doses as deemed necessary [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 2.5 Dosage Modifications for Adver …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 100 mg/50 mL (2 mg/mL) or 200 mg/100 mL (2 mg/mL) as a clear, colorless solution in a single-dose vial. Injection: 100 mg/50 mL (2 mg/mL) or 200 mg/100 mL (2 mg/mL) in a single-dose vial. ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion Reactions: Monitor patients following infusion. Immediately stop and permanently discontinue ERBITUX for serious infusion reactions. ( 2.5 , 5.1 ) Cardiopulmonary Arrest: Monitor serum electrolytes during and after ERBITUX. ( 5.2 , 5.6 ) Pulmonary Toxicity: Interrupt or permanently discontinue for acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms. ( 2.5 , 5.3 ) Dermatologic Toxicity: Monitor for dermatologic toxicities or infectious sequelae. Limit sun exposure. ( 2.5 , 5.4 ) Hypomagnesemia and Accompanying Electrolyte Abnormalities: Monitor during treatment and for at least 8 weeks following the completion. Replete electrolytes as necessary. ( 5.6 ) Increased tumor progression, increased mortality, or lack of benefit observed in patients with Ras-mutant mCRC. ( 5.7 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.8 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Infusion Reactions ERBITUX can cause serious and fatal infusion reactions. Infusion reactions of any grade occurred in 8.4% of 1373 patients who received ERBITUX across clinical trials. Severe (Grades 3 and 4) infusion reactions occurred in 2.2% of patients [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . Signs and symptoms included rapid onset of airway obstruction (bronchospasm, stridor, hoarseness), hypotension, shock, loss of consciousness, myocardial infarction, and/or cardiac arrest. The risk of anaphylactic reactions may be increased in patients with a history of tick bites, red meat allergy, or in the presence of IgE antibodies directed against galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). Consider testing patients for alpha-gal IgE antibodies using FDA-cleared methods prior to initiating ERBITUX. Negative results for alpha-gal antibodies do not rule out the risk of severe infusion reactions. Approximately 90% of severe infusion reactions occurred with the first infusion despite premedication with antihistamines. Infusion reactions may occur during or several hours following completion of the infusion. Premedicate with a histamine-1(H 1 ) receptor antagonist as recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )] . Monitor patients for at least 1 hour following each ERBITUX infusion, in a setting with resuscitation equipment and other agents necessary to treat anaphylaxis. In patients requiring treatment for infusion reactions, monitor for more than 1 hour to confirm resolution of the reaction. Interrupt the infusion and upon recovery, resume the infusion at a slower rate or permanently discontinue ERBITUX based on severity [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )] . 5.2 Cardiopulmonary Arrest ERBITUX can cause cardiopulmonary arrest. Cardiopulmonary arrest or sudden death occurred in 2% of 208 patients treated with radiation therapy and ERBITUX in BONNER. Three patients with prior history of coronary artery disease died at home, with myocardial infarction as the presumed cause of death. One of these patients had arrhythmia and one had congestive heart failure. Death occurred 27, 32, and 43 days after the last dose of ERBITUX. One patient with no prior history of coronary artery disease died one day after the last dose of ERBITUX. In EXTREME, fatal cardiac disorders and/or sudden death occurred in 3% of 219 patients treated with a cetuximab product in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil. Carefully consider use of ERBITUX with radiation therapy or platinum-based therapy with fluorouracil in patients with SCCHN with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or arrhythmias. Monitor serum electrolytes, including serum magnesium, potassium, and calcium, during and after ERBITUX [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . 5.3 Pulmonary Toxicity ERBITUX can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILD, including 1 fatality, occurred in <0.5% of 1570 patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of pulmonary toxicity. Interrupt o …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Infusion reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Cardiopulmonary arrest [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Pulmonary toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Dermatologic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Hypomagnesemia and Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥25%) with Erbitux as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy (FOLFIRI, Irinotecan and 5-Fluorouracil/Platinum) are: cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection. ( 6 ) The most common adverse reactions (>25%) for ERBITUX, in combination with encorafenib, are fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis acneiform, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, arthralgia, and rash. ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described in Warnings and Precautions reflect exposure to ERBITUX in 1373 patients with SCCHN or CRC enrolled in clinical trials and treated at the recommended dosage for a median of 7 to 14 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 , 14.2 )] . The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials with ERBITUX as a single-agent or in combination with radiotherapy or chemotherapy [FOLFIRI, irinotecan and 5-fluorouracil/platinum] (incidence ≥25%) include cutaneous adverse reactions (including rash, pruritus, and nail changes), headache, diarrhea, and infection. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) In Combination with Radiation Therapy The safety of ERBITUX in combination with radiation therapy compared to radiation therapy alone was evaluated in BONNER. The data described below reflect exposure to ERBITUX in 420 patients with locally or regionally advanced SCCHN. ERBITUX was administered at the recommended dosage (400 mg/m 2 initial dose, followed by 250 mg/m 2 weekly). Patients received a median of 8 infusions (range 1 to 11) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Table 2 provides the frequency and severity of adverse reactions in BONNER. Table 2: Selected Adverse Reactions in ≥10% of Patients with Locoregionally Advanced SCCHN (BONNER) a Adverse Reaction ERBITUX with Radiation (n=208) Radiation Therapy Alone (n=212) Grades 1–4 b Grades 3 and 4 Grades 1–4 Grades 3 and 4 a Adverse reactions occurring in ≥10% of patients in the ERBITUX combination arm and at a higher incidence (≥5%) compared to the radiation alone arm. b Adverse reactions were graded using the NCI CTC, version 2.0. c Includes cases also reported as infusion reaction. d Infusion reaction defined as any event described at any time during the clinical study as “allergic reaction” or “anaphylactoid reaction”, or any event occurring on the first day of dosing described as “allergic reaction”, “anaphylactoid reaction”, “fever”, “chills”, “chills and fever”, or “dyspnea”. e Based on laboratory measurements, not on reported adverse reactions, the number of subjects with tested samples varied from 205–206 for ERBITUX with Radiation arm; 209–210 for Radiation alone. f Acneiform rash defined as any event described as “acne”, “rash”, “maculopapular rash”, “pustular rash”, “dry skin”, or “exfoliative dermatitis”. General Asthenia 56 4 49 5 Fever c 29 1 13 1 Headache 19 480 ms), uncontrolled hypertension, and history or current evidence of retinal vein occlusion. The median duration of exposure was 4.4 months for patients treated with ERBITUX in combination with encorafenib and 1.6 mont …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. ( 8.2 ) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] , ERBITUX can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data for ERBITUX exposure in pregnant women. In an animal reproduction study, intravenous administration of cetuximab once weekly to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortion. Disruption or depletion of EGFR in animal models results in impairment of embryo-fetal development including effects on placental, lung, cardiac, skin, and neural development ( see Data ). Human IgG is known to cross the placental barrier; therefore, cetuximab may be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20% respectively. Data Animal Data Pregnant cynomolgus monkeys were administered cetuximab intravenously once weekly during the period of organogenesis (gestation day [GD] 20-48) at dose levels 0.4 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on body surface area (BSA). Cetuximab was detected in the amniotic fluid and in the serum of embryos from treated dams on GD 49. While no fetal malformations occurred in offspring, there was an increased incidence of embryolethality and abortions at doses approximately 1 to 4 times the recommended dose of ERBITUX based on BSA. In mice, EGFR is critically important in reproductive and developmental processes including blastocyst implantation, placental development, and embryo-fetal/postnatal survival and development. Reduction or elimination of embryo-fetal or maternal EGFR signaling can prevent implantation, can cause embryo-fetal loss during various stages of gestation (through effects on placental development), and can cause developmental anomalies and early death in surviving fetuses. Adverse developmental outcomes were observed in multiple organs in embryos/neonates of mice with disrupted EGFR signaling. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of ERBITUX in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Human IgG antibodies can be excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from ERBITUX, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ERBITUX [see Use in Specific Population ( 8.1 )] . Contraception Based on its mechanism of action, ERBITUX can cause harm to the fetus when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )] . Females Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. Infertility Females Based on animal studies, ERBITUX may impair fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of ERBITUX in pediatric patients have not been established. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab, in combination with irinotecan, were evaluated in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors in an open-label, single-arm, dose-finding study. ERBITUX was administered once-weekly, at doses up to 250 mg/m 2 , to 27 patients ranging from 1 to 12 years old; and in 19 patients ranging from 13 to 18 years old. No new safety signals were identified in pediatric patients. The pharmacokinetics of cetuximab between the two age groups were similar following a single dose of 75 mg/m 2 and 150 mg/m …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER1, c-ErbB-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of a subfamily of type I receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, HER2, HER3, and HER4. The EGFR is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle. Expression of EGFR is also detected in many human cancers including those of the head and neck, colon, and rectum. Cetuximab binds specifically to the EGFR on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands, such as transforming growth factor-alpha. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that binding of cetuximab to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases, resulting in inhibition of cell growth, induction of apoptosis, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase and vascular endothelial growth factor production. Signal transduction through the EGFR results in activation of wild-type Ras proteins, but in cells with activating Ras somatic mutations, the resulting mutant Ras proteins are continuously active regardless of EGFR regulation. In vitro , cetuximab can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against certain human tumor types. In vitro assays and in vivo animal studies have shown that cetuximab inhibits the growth and survival of tumor cells that express the EGFR. No anti-tumor effects of cetuximab were observed in human tumor xenografts lacking EGFR expression. The addition of cetuximab to radiation therapy or irinotecan in human tumor xenograft models in mice resulted in an increase in anti-tumor effects compared to radiation therapy or chemotherapy alone. In the setting of BRAF-mutant CRC, induction of EGFR-mediated MAPK pathway activation has been identified as a mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Combinations of a BRAF inhibitor and agents targeting EGFR have been shown to overcome this resistance mechanism in nonclinical models. Coadministration of cetuximab and encorafenib had an anti-tumor effect greater than either drug alone, in a mouse model of colorectal cancer with mutated BRAF V600E.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist. It is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Cetuximab is composed of the Fv regions of a murine anti-EGFR antibody with human IgG1 heavy and kappa light chain constant regions and has an approximate molecular weight of 152 kDa. Cetuximab is produced in mammalian (murine myeloma) cell culture. ERBITUX (cetuximab) injection for intravenous use, is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution, which may contain a small amount of visible, white, amorphous cetuximab particulates in a single-dose vial. Each 1 mL of solution contains 2 mg of cetuximab, sodium chloride (8.48 mg), sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate (1.88 mg), sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate (0.41 mg), and Water for Injection, USP at pH of 7.0 to 7.4.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING How Supplied ERBITUX ® (cetuximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution in a 2 mg/mL single-dose vial supplied as follows: 100 mg/50 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-948-23) 200 mg/100 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-958-23) Storage and Handling Store vials under refrigeration at 2° C to 8° C (36° F to 46° F). Do not freeze or shake. Increased particulate formation may occur at temperatures at or below 0° C (32° F). Discard any remaining solution in the infusion container after 8 hours at controlled room temperature or after 12 hours at 2° C to 8° C. Discard any unused portion of the vial.

How Supplied ERBITUX ® (cetuximab) injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear, colorless solution in a 2 mg/mL single-dose vial supplied as follows: 100 mg/50 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-948-23) 200 mg/100 mL individually packaged in a carton (NDC 66733-958-23)

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
31,150
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: CETUXIMAB. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class III November 21, 2018 Eli Lilly & Co Labeling: Missing label; potential for missing primary container label on the vial. Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
66733-948-23 66733-948 ImClone LLC 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (66733-948-23) / 50 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE February 12, 2004
66733-958-23 66733-958 ImClone LLC 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (66733-958-23) / 100 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE October 2, 2007
66733-948 66733-948 ImClone LLC — February 12, 2004
66733-958 66733-958 ImClone LLC — October 2, 2007

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Enforcement FDA Recall records
Purple Book FDA Biologic licence classification

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