How do you take Cetuximab?

This is not a tablet you take at home. Cetuximab is given as a drip (infusion) into your vein at a hospital or cancer treatment centre by trained medical staff. The first dose is usually 400 mg per square metre of your body size, given slowly over about 2 hours. After that, you receive 250 mg per square metre once every week over about 1 hour. Your oncologist will decide how long your treatment lasts.

What are the side effects of Cetuximab?

Skin rash or acne-like breakouts on the face and body (very common, as almost everyone gets this), feeling tired or weak, diarrhoea, nausea or loss of appetite, reactions around the area where the drip enters your vein such as redness or swelling

Who should not take Cetuximab?

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to cetuximab or any of its ingredients. Patients whose cancer has a specific gene change called a RAS mutation (your doctor will test for this before starting treatment, as the drug will not work for them). People with severe heart or lung problems should discuss risks carefully with their oncologist.

Prescription

Monoclonal antibody (targeted cancer therapy)

Cetuximab

Q: What is Cetuximab used for?

Advanced bowel cancer (colorectal cancer), head and neck cancer

Last reviewed July 2026

Who is this for?

For adults (18+). Standard adult dosing applies: see the How to Take tab for full instructions.

What is this drug?

Cetuximab (sold as Erbitux in Nigeria) is a cancer medicine given through a drip into your vein. It works by blocking a protein called EGFR on the surface of cancer cells, which stops the cancer from growing and spreading.

How it works

Binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cell surfaces, blocking ligand attachment and preventing downstream signaling through the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

What is it used for?

Advanced bowel cancer (colorectal cancer)head and neck cancer

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Cancer Treatment

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

Only receive this medicine at a recognised cancer treatment centre with trained oncologists, never from unverified sources. The skin rash is actually a sign the drug is working, so do not stop treatment on your own because of it: talk to your doctor. Make sure you attend all your scheduled hospital appointments and blood tests, as your doctor needs to monitor your magnesium levels and other blood values closely.

Common Side Effects

Skin rash or acne-like breakouts on the face and body (very common, as almost everyone gets this)
feeling tired or weak
diarrhoea
nausea or loss of appetite
reactions around the area where the drip enters your vein such as redness or swelling

Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction during or after the drip: signs include difficulty breathing
swelling of the face
dizziness
or chest tightness (tell your nurse immediately). Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling. Dangerously low levels of magnesium in the blood
which can cause muscle cramps
confusion
or irregular heartbeat.

Drug Interactions

If you are receiving other cancer treatments like platinum-based chemotherapy (e.g. cisplatin), your doctor will monitor you more closely as side effects may increase. Let your doctor know about all medicines you are taking, including herbal remedies and traditional medicines, as interactions are possible. There is no specific alcohol warning, but it is wise to avoid alcohol during cancer treatment as it weakens your body.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Cetuximab is not safe during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby, and women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose; breastfeeding should also be avoided during and for 2 months after treatment.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to cetuximab or any of its ingredients. Patients whose cancer has a specific gene change called a RAS mutation (your doctor will test for this before starting treatment, as the drug will not work for them). People with severe heart or lung problems should discuss risks carefully with their oncologist.

How to Store

Erbitux must be stored in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C), which is critical in Nigeria's hot climate. Do not freeze it. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. This medicine is handled by hospital pharmacies, so storage is usually managed by medical staff. Keep away from children.

For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.