Cetuximab Intravenous and Mesasal Rectal

• Generic Name: cetuximab
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Erbitux

Cetuximab injection is used together with radiation treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), or with a platinum-based cancer medicine with fluorouracil to treat SCCHN that has come back (recurrent) or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Cetuximab injection is also used alone in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN who have received other medicines that did not work well.

Cetuximab injection is used together with other medicines (eg, irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) to treat K-Ras wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Your doctor will test for the presence of this gene mutation. Cetuximab injection is also used alone to treat patients with mCRC who have received other medicines (eg, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) that did not work well.

Cetuximab interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by cetuximab, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, such as a skin rash, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Before you begin treatment with cetuximab, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of cetuximab as well as the risks of using it.

Cetuximab should only be given by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

• Generic Name: mesalamine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Apriso, Asacol HD, Delzicol, Lialda, Pentasa, Canasa, Canasa Pac, Rowasa, SfRowasa

Mesalamine is used to treat an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis. Mesalamine suppositories are used to treat mild to moderate active ulcerative proctitis (inflammation of the rectum). It works inside the intestines (bowels) to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms of the disease.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.