Nimotuzumab
Description
Nimotuzumab is an anticancer agent used in the treatment of certain types of brain cancers and cancer of the head and neck. This medicine may also be used to treat lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine) in some patients.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Nimotuzumab
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Skin rash
Uses of Nimotuzumab
What is it prescribed for?
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Glioblastoma Multiforme
- Astrocytoma
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known allergy to Nimotuzumab or any other ingredients present along with it.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings
Liver disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases due to the increased risk of adverse effects. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is necessary for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Kidney disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with kidney dysfunction due to increased risk of worsening of the condition. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Infections
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of severe and potentially life-threatening infections occurring due to bone marrow suppression. Report any unusual symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, sore throat, pain or burning during urination, etc. to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of the clinical condition, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary in some cases.
Other medicines
This medicine may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe adverse effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. If you miss any scheduled session you should contact your doctor immediately and fix an appointment as recommended by your doctor.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Irinotecan
Disease interactions
Diabetes
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with diabetes due to the increased risk of altered blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition.
Heart Disease
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from diseases of the heart due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of heart function and vital signs is recommended for such patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Monoclonal antibodies, EGFR inhibitors, Antineoplastics
Schedule
Schedule H
Branded Formulations - EGFR, GCSF, Prefilled Syringe, Statin Tablets [Internet]. Biocon.com. 2019 [cited 3 January 2019]. Available from:
Nimotuzumab, a promising therapeutic monoclonal for treatment of tumors of epithelial origin [Internet]. PubMed Central (PMC). 2019 [cited 3 January 2019]. Available from:
Nimotuzumab - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 21 August 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Theracim-nimotuzumab.com. 2019 [cited 4 January 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Theracim-nimotuzumab.com. 2019 [cited 4 January 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 21 Aug 2019
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.