ramucirumab

What is the most important information I should know about ramucirumab?

What is ramucirumab?

Ramucirumab is used to treat stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, or non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Ramucirumab may be given alone or in combination with other cancer medicines.

Ramucirumab is usually given after other treatments have failed.

Ramucirumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ramucirumab?

• uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• high blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• an unhealed incision from recent surgery.

Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving ramucirumab, and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends.

How is ramucirumab given?

Ramucirumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving ramucirumab.

Ramucirumab is sometimes given once every 2 weeks. Ramucirumab may also be given in a 21-day treatment cycle and you may only need to use the medicine during the first day of each cycle. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

While using ramucirumab, you may need frequent blood or urine tests. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving ramucirumab?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of ramucirumab?

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel light-headed, chilled, sweaty, or have chest pain, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or numbness and tingling.

• signs of stomach bleeding --severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• any wound that will not heal;
• headache, confusion, change in mental status, vision loss, seizure (convulsions);
• severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
• rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing;
• kidney problems --puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, urine that looks foamy;
• symptoms of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or
• heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating.

Common side effects may include:

• sores or white patches in or around your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing or talking, dry mouth, bad breath, altered sense of taste;
• feeling weak or tired;
• diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• nosebleed;
• low white blood cell counts; or
• high blood pressure.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect ramucirumab?

Other drugs may affect ramucirumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about ramucirumab.