Ramucirumab
Ramucirumab is a targeted therapy medication classified as a VEGFR2 antagonist used in the treatment of certain cancers. It works by specifically binding to VEGFR2 receptors and blocking VEGF ligands, thereby inhibiting tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and slowing cancer cell growth. This medication is typically prescribed for patients with advanced or metastatic cancers who have not responded to initial treatments.
Ramucirumab is an anti-angiogenic monoclonal antibody used to treat certain advanced cancers by blocking tumor blood vessel formation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FG02
- RxNorm
- 1535922
- Generic
- Ramucirumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Cyramza
- 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
- 8 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not established
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 8 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- 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 to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy due to risk of fetal toxicity
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
nursing mothersdiscontinue nursing or discontinue drug
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 2 months after last dose
monitor infant for potential adverse effects
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients
no specific pediatric monitoring guidelines available
geriatric
elderly 65 yearsno adjustment required
no overall differences in safety or effectiveness observed between elderly and younger patients
standard monitoring as appropriate for all patients
renal_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment required
no dose adjustment recommended for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
pharmacokinetics not studied in severe renal impairment; use with caution
increased monitoring of renal function recommended
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateno adjustment required
no dose adjustment recommended for mild to moderate hepatic impairment
standard liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
pharmacokinetics not studied in severe hepatic impairment; use with caution especially in cases of severe hepatic impairment with ascites
increased monitoring of liver function and clinical symptoms
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Ramucirumab (Cyramza)
Drug class
Pharmacologic classification of Ramucirumab
Approved indications
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
Ramucirumab is used to treat advanced or metastatic cancers including gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma, typically when previous treatments have failed.
As a VEGFR2 antagonist, ramucirumab specifically binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), blocking VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D ligands from binding. This prevents receptor activation, inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and new blood vessel formation that tumors need to grow and spread.
Ramucirumab is administered via intravenous infusion and should only be used under supervision of an oncologist. Common side effects include hypertension, fatigue, and proteinuria. It may increase risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation, and impaired wound healing. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and protein levels in urine is required during treatment.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy