Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) offers ERBITUX to eligible patients free of charge. Assistance will be considered on the basis of financial need, the absence of insurance coverage for ERBITUX, and a willingness to forego the appeal of any denial of insurance coverage. While the BMSPAF will make every effort to grant aid to as many patients as possible, this program is limited by available resources and is subject to immediate change or cancellation.
Full Answer
Who should receive Erbitux®?
ERBITUX ® is approved for the treatment of certain patients who have colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Only patients whose tumors are KRAS wild-type (which means they have a KRAS mutation-negative gene), and whose tumors have a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), should receive ERBITUX.
How is Erbitux used to treat colon cancer?
Treatment with ERBITUX is given in the following ways: In combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) for patients who are being treated for this type of cancer for the first time In combination with another chemotherapy drug, irinotecan, for patients whose disease has progressed after receiving chemotherapy with irinotecan
What are the side effects of Erbitux?
ERBITUX can cause lung disease. Lung disease occurred in less than 0.5% of 1570 patients receiving ERBITUX in clinical trials for colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer; 1 patient died. Notify your doctor if you develop shortness of breath, a new or worsening cough and/or chest pain while receiving ERBITUX
What is Erbitux (cetuximab)?
Erbitux (cetuximab) is a member of the EGFR inhibitors drug class and is commonly used for Colorectal Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. The cost for Erbitux intravenous solution (2 mg/mL) is around $719 for a supply of 50 milliliters, depending on the pharmacy you visit.
Does Eli Lilly have a patient assistance program?
Lilly Cares Foundation, Inc. created and administers a patient assistance program that provides access to most Lilly products for eligible U.S. residents. Through their physicians, patients who are otherwise unable to obtain Lilly medications may qualify for free medicines.
Can cetuximab cure cancer?
Cetuximab-based chemotherapy is a standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) (1). However, it is not used as curative intent and the disease generally relapses or get progressive.
Who manufactures Erbitux?
"Bristol-Myers Squibb is incredibly proud to have built Erbitux into a major brand and an important therapy for so many patients with certain colorectal and head and neck cancers," said Murdo Gordon , head of worldwide markets, Bristol-Myers Squibb .
Is Erbitux chemo?
ERBITUX with platinum-based chemotherapy and fluorouracil (CT) was shown to help some people live longer compared to CT alone. Half the patients on ERBITUX with CT were still alive at 10.1 months, compared to 7.4 months with CT alone (median overall survival).
How long is cetuximab effective?
Cetuximab also has activity as monotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN who had failed platinum-based chemotherapy,. with a 12.6% response rate, disease control rate of 46%, and median response duration of ~ 6 months.
Can cetuximab shrink Tumours?
In this study, the side effects and severity of adverse reactions seen with the cetuximab product used were consistent with other studies of US patients receiving ERBITUX for mCRC. Shrinkage of combined tumor size was ≥50%.
How often is Erbitux given?
In all indications, Erbitux is administered once a week. The initial dose is 400 mg cetuximab per m2 body surface area. All subsequent weekly doses are 250 mg cetuximab per m2 each. In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, cetuximab is used in combination with chemotherapy or as a single agent (see section 5.1).
What is the cost of cetuximab?
The Costs of Cancer TreatmentsDrug (brand name)RegimenTotal cost ‡Cetuximab (Erbitux)Loading: 400 mg/m 2 ; maintain: 250 mg/m 2 /wk$80 352Bevacizumab (Avastin)10 mg/kg every 14 d$90 816Erlotinib (Tarceva)150 mg daily$15752Sorafenib (Nexavar)400 mg twice a day$34373
What does cetuximab rash look like?
Patients may develop a rash. While this rash may look like acne, it is not, and should not be treated with acne medications. The rash may appear red, swollen, crusty and dry, and feel sore. You may also develop very dry skin, which may crack, be itchy or become flaky or scaly.
How long is Erbitux treatment?
The data described in Warnings and Precautions reflect exposure to ERBITUX in 1373 patients with SCCHN or CRC enrolled in clinical trials and treated at the recommended dosage for a median of 7 to 14 weeks [see Clinical Studies].
How long does Erbitux stay in your system?
Erbitux can have long-lasting effects on your body. You may need medical tests for at least 8 weeks after your last dose.
Does Erbitux cause fatigue?
feeling and being sick. feeling tired. severe allergic reaction which can cause breathing difficulties, fainting, blood pressure changes and itchy skin.
Can cancer be cured completely?
Cancer is a group of diseases that we may never be able to cure completely, but scientists are optimistic that vaccines, personalised medicine and smart lifestyle choices will help prevent and treat a much greater proportion of cases than currently happens.
How do you know if cetuximab is working?
Treatment with cetuximab may cause changes in the way your liver works. This will return to normal when the treatment finishes. You're very unlikely to notice any problems, but your doctor or nurse will take regular blood samples to check your liver is working properly. You will have regular blood tests to check this.
Is cetuximab chemo or immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as avelumab and cetuximab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.
What is cetuximab target?
Cetuximab is a targeted therapy that targets and binds to the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). EGFR is found on the surface of many normal cells and cancer cells. EGFR, when activated by your body during normal human cell-reproduction, makes the cell grow and divide.
How much does ERBITUX affect blood flow?
2% of patients in the ERBITUX plus radiation and cisplatin treatment arm experienced decreased blood flow to the heart, compared to 0.9% in the radiation therapy and cisplatin alone treatment arm
What are the side effects of erbitux?
The most common side effects (all grades of severity) in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body whose tumors had a protein called Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) treated with ERBITUX and irinotecan were: acne-like rash, feeling weakness or discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
How long after erbitux can you get pregnant?
Because ERBITUX can harm an unborn baby, you should use contraception and not become pregnant during treatment with ERBITUX and for at least 2 months after your last dose of ERBITUX. If you become pregnant during your treatment or within 2 months after your last dose, discuss this with your doctor.
How long after erbitux is it safe to wear sunscreen?
Sun exposure may worsen these effects. Patients taking ERBITUX should wear sunscreen and hats to limit sun exposure during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX
How long should you monitor electrolytes after ERBITUX?
Your doctor or nurse should periodically monitor your blood electrolyte levels during and for at least 8 weeks after treatment with ERBITUX, and administer intravenous replacement as needed
Is Erbitux a combination drug?
ERBITUX is approved in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Only patients whose tumors are BRAF V600E mutant (which means they have a BRAF V600E mutation-positive gene) and their condition has progressed from a previous treatment should receive ERBITUX with encorafenib. An FDA-approved test is used to determine if tumors have these particular traits.
Is Erbitux approved for colorectal cancer?
ERBITUX is not approved to treat colorectal cancer in patients whose tumors have mutations in genes called RAS (often called " RAS mutant"), or in patients for whom the mutational status of the RAS genes is not known.
What is erbitux used for?
Erbitux (cetuximab) is a member of the EGFR inhibitors drug class and is commonly used for Colorectal Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
How much does a free drug card save?
The free Drugs.com Discount Card works like a coupon and can save you up to 80% or more off the cost of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and pet prescriptions.
Is Erbitux valid with insurance?
Prices are for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. This Erbitux price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.
What is ERBITUX used for?
ERBITUX is indicated for the treatment of KRAS wild-type, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing, metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test for this use: In combination with FOLFIRI (irinotecan, fluorouracil, leucovorin) for first-line treatment.
How much myocardial ischemia is in Erbitux?
In the ERBITUX arm, 2% experienced myocardial ischemia compared to 0.9% in the control arm.
What are the adverse reactions to cetuximab?
The most common adverse reactions (all grades; incidence ≥25%) seen in patients with carcinomas of the head and neck receiving a cetuximab product in combination with platinum-based therapy and fluorouracil (CT) (n=219) versus CT alone (n=215) (EXTREM E) were acneiform rash (70% vs 2%), nausea (54% vs 47%) , infection (44% vs 27%) , rash (28% vs 2%), diarrhea (26% vs 16%) and anorexia ( 25% vs 14%). The most common grade 3 and 4 adverse reaction for a cetuximab product in combination with CT (≥10%) versus CT alone was infection (11% vs 8%). Because ERBITUX provides approximately 22% higher exposure relative to the cetuximab product used in EXTREME, the data provided above may underestimate the incidence and severity of adverse reactions anticipated with ERBITUX for this indication. However, the tolerability of the recommended dose is supported by safety data from additional studies of ERBITUX.
How long does a rash last after erbitux?
Acneiform rash usually developed within the first 2 weeks of therapy; the rash lasted more than 28 days after stopping ERBITUX in most patients.
What are the most common adverse reactions to erbitux?
The most common grade 3-4 adverse reactions included: diarrhea (22%) , leukopenia (17%), asthenia/malaise (16%), and acneiform rash (14%). Use in Specific Populations. Lactation: There is no information regarding the presence of ERBITUX in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
How long does it take for acne to develop after erbitux?
Acneiform rash usually developed within the first 2 weeks of therapy; the rash lasted more than 28 days after stopping ERBITUX in most patients.
How long after erbitux can you use contraception?
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ERBITUX and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX. Verify pregnancy status in females of reproductive potential prior to initiating ERBITUX. Adverse Reactions.
How much does ERBITUX affect blood flow?
2% of patients in the ERBITUX plus radiation and cisplatin treatment arm experienced decreased blood flow to the heart, compared to 0.9% in the radiation therapy and cisplatin alone treatment arm
How long after erbitux can you get pregnant?
Because ERBITUX can harm an unborn baby, you should use contraception and not become pregnant during treatment with ERBITUX and for at least 2 months after your last dose of ERBITUX. If you become pregnant during your treatment or within 2 months after your last dose, discuss this with your doctor.
How long after erbitux is it safe to wear sunscreen?
Sun exposure may worsen these effects. Patients taking ERBITUX should wear sunscreen and hats to limit sun exposure during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose of ERBITUX
How long should you monitor electrolytes after ERBITUX?
Your doctor or nurse should periodically monitor your blood electrolyte levels during and for at least 8 weeks after treatment with ERBITUX, and administer intravenous replacement as needed
Is Erbitux a combination drug?
ERBITUX is approved in combination with encorafenib, for the treatment of adult patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Only patients whose tumors are BRAF V600E mutant (which means they have a BRAF V600E mutation-positive gene) and their condition has progressed from a previous treatment should receive ERBITUX with encorafenib. An FDA-approved test is used to determine if tumors have these particular traits.
Is Erbitux approved for colorectal cancer?
ERBITUX is not approved to treat colorectal cancer in patients whose tumors have mutations in genes called RAS (often called " RAS mutant"), or in patients for whom the mutational status of the RAS genes is not known.
How to tell if you have a heart attack from an infusion?
Symptoms can include trouble with breathing (including tightening of the airways, wheezing, or hoarseness), low blood pressure, shock, loss of consciousness, and/or heart attack. Report these signs and symptoms of infusion reactions, as well as fever, and/or chills to your doctor or nurse.
Household Income Guidelines
The total number of persons in the household (applicant and all family members).
Complete the Application
Fill out and sign the patient sections on the application. Your healthcare provider will need to fill out the prescriber section and prescription.
Next Steps
Lilly Cares will review your application and provide you and your healthcare provider with an enrollment decision by mail (and text message, if you choose the text option on the application). An incomplete application will delay an enrollment decision.
