Vectibix (panitumumab) Problem.

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bossan
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Vectibix (panitumumab) Problem.

Postby bossan » Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:06 pm

Posted this in another forum, but I'm trying to get as much info on this new drug as I can...

I had a reaction to Vecitbix (panitumumab) yesterday and was wondering about other people's experience with it. I am the first one to get it at our clinic. I'm also on Xeloda, 2000mgs twice a day.

I had one dose two weeks ago with no reaction. My face broke out in a prety bad rash, but I had some antibiotics and its helping.

Yesterday, I had infusion #2 and as soon as it was done I had a spasm in my lower back, pulsating from the center outward towards my sides. Then I started shaking, kind of like when you have a fever breaking only more intense. When I sat the spasm would get worse. I was a Michael J Fox moment, with no Rush there to make fun of me :)

They gave me demerol and in about 10-15 minutes, the show was over. They are going to try it more slowly next time hoping it won't make me shake, rattle and roll against my will...

Thanks for your help, smoke em if you got em this way please.
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Hannah
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Postby Hannah » Sat Nov 04, 2006 12:59 am

Hi Bossan,

Vectibix is known to cause hypomagnesemia (low magnesium), which can result in tetany. Tetany means that you can have severe muscle spasms and cramps, so maybe this is what could be causing your reaction.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure what can be done to prevent it! Talk to your oncologist about this immediately - hypomagnesemia is a listed side effect of Vectibix, and although it is a newly-approved drug, your oncologist should be educated about the side effects of Vectibix.

Maybe there is a magesium injection that you can take prior to the Vectibix to try to keep your levels up and prevent the reaction?

Just wondering - are you on Vectibix and Xeloda only?? If you are taking something else, that could also be causing the reaction.

:)Hannah
Hannah K. Vogler
Co-Founder, The Colon Club
cousin of Amanda Sherwood Roberts
dx 1/99 Stage III at age 24
died January 1, 2002 at age 27

bossan
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:17 pm
Location: beaverton, oregon
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Postby bossan » Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:34 pm

Hannah wrote:Hi Bossan,

Just wondering - are you on Vectibix and Xeloda only?? If you are taking something else, that could also be causing the reaction.

:)Hannah


Thanks for the info, I've already pissed off, er, passed the news to my doc. Sometimes she acts as if she knows it all....she's a good soul.

I am on just those 2 previously mentioned poisons :)
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MissKim
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Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Postby MissKim » Wed Nov 22, 2006 12:54 am

Hello Bossan,

I am scheduled to start Vectibix on 11/29. I am definitely going to ask my medical team about what will be done to prevent muscle spasms. How have things been going for you since that happened.

Miss Kim

bossan
Posts: 60
Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:17 pm
Location: beaverton, oregon
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Postby bossan » Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:34 am

The third treatment went very well. They slowed down the infusion, gave me benedryl and demerol before it started. all good.

I had no reaction the first time, second time was the back spasms and the shakes. Had bad skin problems after the 2nd dose and they gave me erythromycin pills, liquid didn't work that well.

So far I'm okay, ready for Thursday's tummy ache :)

Friday I jump on a plane accross the country to DC.
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MissKim
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Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Postby MissKim » Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:38 am

Bossan,

I was just wondering how you were doing. How is the rash? I am scheduled for Vectibix infusion #2 on Wed, 12/6. So far, I just have really dry skin. My hands are cracking and bleeding and my face is starting to dry. My onc. has me taking Magnesium twice a day as a preventative measure. Are there any other words of wisdom from you? Are you on infusion #4 or #5?

Thanks for sharing your experiences, I appreciate knowing in advance what to possibly expect.

Sincerely,
Miss Kim

bossan
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Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:17 pm
Location: beaverton, oregon
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Postby bossan » Tue Dec 12, 2006 2:50 am

I'm starting #4 Thursday. I skipped one because I went out of town and the doc said it would be okay to wait.

I took some antibiotics for the face problems which cleared everything up pretty well, we'll see if it holds up for this dose. I have some hand and foot problems, but its the Xeloda that does it. I amd taking 300 mgs of B6. I stopped for a while and my hands got worse so I'll get back on it.

If all else fails, try beer :)
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