Description
What is Portrazza (necitumumab) for?
Portrazza (necitumumab) is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of people with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin — two widely approved medicines[1,2].
How does Portrazza (necitumumab) work?
The active substance in Portrazza, necitumumab, is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist[1], a type of protein designed to recognise and attach to EGFR on the surface of the cancer cells.
EGFR normally controls the growth and division of cells, but in cancer cells EGFR is often overactive, causing the cells to divide uncontrollably. By attaching to and blocking EGFR, necitumumab helps to reduce the growth and spread of the cancer.[2]
Where has Portrazza (necitumumab) been approved?
Portrazza (necitumumab) was approved for the first line treatment of advanced squamous NSCLC by:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA, November 11, 2015[4]
- European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union, March 4, 2016[2]
- Health Canada, March 16, 2017[5]
Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.
How is Portrazza (necitumumab) taken?
The standard dosage is:
- 800 mg as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes on Days 1 and 8 of each 3-week cycle[1,3]
Administered in addition to gemcitabine and cisplatin-based chemotherapy for up to 6 cycles of treatment followed by necitumumab as a single agent in patients whose disease has not progressed, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity[3]
Administer necitumumab prior to gemcitabine and cisplatin infusion[1]
Warning: Closely monitor serum electrolytes: cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 3% of patients treated with Portrazza in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin.
Complete information about Portrazza (necitumumab) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our references section[1,3].
Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known side effects of Portrazza (necitumumab)?
Common side effects
The most common side effects listed in the prescribing information include[1,3]:
- skin reactions (rash)
- hypomagnesemia
- venous thromboembolic events.
Serious side effects
The serious side effects listed in the prescribing information include[1,3]:
- skin reactions
- venous thromboembolic events: cardiopulmonary arrest and/or sudden death occurred in 3% of patients
- hypomagnesemia occurred in 83% of patients and was severe in 20%.
Use in a specific population
Portrazza (necitumumab) can be fatal for a fetus, it is advised to avoid pregnancies and breast feeding[1,3].
Reviews
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