Erbitux

My docs are trying to control my stage-4 squamous cell cancer.  I've been through radiation, surgery and now chemo.  They want to had Erbitux, but I hear there are bad side effects.  What are they and how do you minimize them?

Thanks,

Hi smjubo,

You can do a web search on Erbitux and get the side effects from the manufacturer.

For myself, I took Eribitux weekly for 7 total treatments, concurrent with Cisplatin and radiation therapy.  The significant side effect for me was a horrendous case of pimples - all over my chest, upper back, and face.

The pimples were resolved with oral antibiotics and steroids, which worked quickly and very effectively (I also used a topical antibiotic at first, which I later gave up on, since I didn't think it was very effective).

Anyway, during the treatment I had a lot of other side effects, some of which may have been worsened by the Erbitux - but I'll never know since I was taking on so much (e.g., radiation, Cisplatin, Erbitux, daily Ethyol shots, codeine, Zofran).

Best wishes,

Chris

My Dad just started his treatment for Stage IV squamous cell and they are giving him Erbitux, Taxol and Carboplatin. He has had his 2nd treatment of the Erbitux and he developed the rash that everyone talks about. He says it's painful and itches. We are trying lotions and lanicane and aloe products. He is also tired. Good Luck