Erbitux

Erbitux Side Effects

Reviewed by Jenny Zhang, PharmD, BCOP, Cydnee Ng, PharmD

Last reviewed on May 24, 2022

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Acne-like rash (up to 95%)
Fatigue or weakness (up to 91%)
Diarrhea (up to 72%)
Nausea (up to 64%)
Dry skin (up to 57%)
Itching (up to 47%)
Vomiting (up to 40%)

^{*Some side effects listed above might not be from [[EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] alone, since some studies included people receiving [[EDITOR|DRUG_DISPLAY_NAME]] with radiation or other anticancer medications.}

Less Common Side Effects

Changes in the appearance of your nails
Headache
Cough
Fever
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Dehydration
Constipation
Heartburn
Dry mouth
Changes in taste
Tingling or numbness in arms or legs
Sore throat or mouth
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty sleeping
Mood changes
Pain (stomach, joint, muscle, bone, or general pain)

Erbitux serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Serious infusion reactions: throat tightness, trouble breathing, cough, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting
Heart attack: chest pain, arm pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweat, sudden collapse
Severe skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes
Infections: repeated fevers, chills, cough, trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, vomiting, painful or frequent urination

Source: DailyMed

The following Erbitux side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blemishes on the skin or pimples

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

body aches or pain

chills

congestion

cough

deep cracks, grooves, or lines in the skin

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness

fever

headache

hoarseness

lower back or side pain

nausea

painful or difficult urination

pale skin

rapid weight gain

runny nose

severe dry skin

skin rash

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

trouble with breathing on exertion

trouble with swallowing

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

voice changes

vomiting

Less common

Anxiety

black, tarry stools

chest pain

confusion

decreased urination

dry mouth

fainting

fast heartbeat

increase in heart rate

lightheadedness

rapid, shallow breathing

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sunken eyes

thirst

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

cracked lips

diarrhea

difficulty in swallowing

itching

joint or muscle pain

red, irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

stiff neck or back

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Belching

burning, dry, or itching eyes

difficulty having a bowel movement

discharge from the eye

discoloration of the fingernails or toenails

discouragement

excessive tearing

feeling sad or empty

hair loss or thinning of the hair

heartburn

indigestion