Hi has anyone had the drug cetuximab? i had tonsil cancer 18 months ago and had this drug and radiotherepy. i am having side affects of itchy red scalp hair loss and skin problems 18 months latter. it is really painful. the drug is quite new and has been used in bowel cancer previously. i think i was one of the first to have it for head and neck cancers?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hi, Janis!

Certuximab is another name for Erbitux. From what I understand, having the rashes means that the drug is working! Eighteen months is a long time though.

There are a few people on this board that have had Erbitux and I think you can find some of their comments in this Erbitux string:

Erbitux

Before I had RT, my doc advised that Erbitux was a possibility for me, that he'd wait and see. As it turned out, RT did the job and I was spared that portion of treatment.

Someone (can't remember who) was prescribed something for the rashes. If you don't find it on the links, perhaps she'll be along to advise you what worked for her.

Good luck!

Mimi

Hi Janis, I'm not sure if I'm the one that Mimi was speaking about, but I am going through Erbitux infusions right now. Before each infusion I'm given an infusion of benadryl to help with side effects. I was also prescriped a cream for the rash. It's called Betamethasone Valerate Cream USP 0.1%. It does a wonderful job of relieving the terrible itching that Erbutix causes. My rash hasn't been to severe though. Right now what's weird is that instead of a rash on my neck, chest and face, I'm getting it on my arms! I wasn't expecting that one.

I must ask one thing though. Did your doctor(s) warn you about sun exposure. I'm not sure how long you must avoid the sun, but I've been consistently reminded to keep sun exposure to a very very low minimum.

I didn't experience hair loss from Erbiutx like you are experiencing, but I did lose hair around my neckline from the radiation.

Hope this helps you some. If you think I can help you with any other questions, let me know.

Hope everything turns out ok, Best Wishes, Cricket