Necitumumab
Necitumumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein often overexpressed in certain cancers that promotes tumor growth and survival. It is used in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease. By blocking EGFR, necitumumab inhibits tumor cell proliferation and can slow disease progression.
Necitumumab is an EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody used with chemotherapy to treat metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FE03
- RxNorm
- 1723738
- Generic
- Necitumumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Portrazza
- 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
- 800mg on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 21 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not approved for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 800mg on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 21 days
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
all trimestersavoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits to the mother outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue nursing
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose
monitor infant for potential adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot indicated
safety and efficacy have not been established in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable - do not use in pediatric populations
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly over 65no specific adjustment
no dose adjustment required based on age alone; use with caution and monitor for adverse reactions
regular monitoring of cardiac function, electrolytes, and infusion-related reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
no formal dose adjustment recommended; use with caution and monitor renal function
regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution due to limited data; monitor closely
regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno specific adjustment
no formal dose adjustment recommended; use with caution
regular monitoring of liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution due to limited data; monitor closely for adverse events
regular monitoring of liver function tests and clinical status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Necitumumab (Portrazza)
Drug class
Monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor
Approved indication
First-line treatment in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin
Mechanism of action
Binds to epidermal growth factor receptor to block tumor cell growth
Metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy, for patients who have not received prior treatment for metastatic disease.
Necitumumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to EGFR on the surface of tumor cells. By blocking ligand binding to EGFR, it inhibits receptor activation and downstream signaling pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
Common side effects include skin reactions (acneiform rash), hypomagnesemia, and infusion-related reactions. Serious risks include venous thromboembolic events. Monitoring of serum electrolytes, particularly magnesium, is recommended during treatment. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to necitumumab or its components.
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
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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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy