What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Eye disease
- Low levels of magnesium in the blood
- Lung disease
- An unusual or allergic reaction to panitumumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun while receiving this medication and for 2 months after stopping therapy. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 2 months after the last dose. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.
Do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 months after the last dose.
This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication may cause rare but serious skin rashes.