Cetuximab
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking signals that promote cancer cell growth and survival. It is primarily used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer and squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. By inhibiting EGFR, cetuximab can slow tumor progression and, in some cases, shrink tumors.
Cetuximab is a targeted cancer therapy monoclonal antibody that blocks EGFR to treat colorectal and head/neck cancers.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FE01
- RxNorm
- 318341
- Generic
- Cetuximab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Erbitux
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 400mg/m² initial dose followed by 250mg/m² weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250-400mg/m² weekly (limited clinical data)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg/m² initial dose followed by 250mg/m² weekly
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once weekly
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 months after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 and olderno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution; monitor for adverse reactions including infusion reactions
close monitoring for infusion reactions and skin toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment recommended
no specific dose adjustment required; monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment recommended
no specific dose adjustment for mild to moderate impairment; limited data for severe impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
regular alcohol consumptionavoid or limit alcohol
avoid alcohol consumption during treatment as it may exacerbate skin reactions and dehydration
monitor for worsening of skin toxicity and dehydration
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Cetuximab
Drug class
Drug class classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Metastatic colorectal cancer (particularly in patients with KRAS wild-type tumors), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (locally or regionally advanced and recurrent/metastatic disease), and locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in combination with radiation therapy.
Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1), blocking ligand binding and preventing receptor activation. This inhibition interferes with cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis while promoting apoptosis.
Common side effects include acneiform skin rash (which correlates with treatment response), infusion reactions, hypomagnesemia, and electrolyte abnormalities. Cardiac arrhythmias and severe infusion reactions can occur. Requires pre-medication and careful monitoring during administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy