RAMUCIRUMAB 500MG INJECTION (CYRAMZA)

Side effects of Cyramza (ramucirumab) 

This medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. If they occur it may require medical attention.

 Common side effects 

• Fainting 

• Nausea 

• Constipation 

• Fever 

• Chills 

• Vomiting 

• Dizziness 

• Shortness of breath 

• Chest pain 

• Diarrhea 

• Burning 

• Itching 

• Swelling 

• Weakness 

• Shivering 

• Sweating 

• Pain on the palms of your hand 

• Muscle cramps 

• Low white blood cell count 

• Not feeling hungry 

• Low sodium in blood 

• Nose bleeds 

• Back pain 

Serious side effects 

• Increase in blood pressure 

• Severe bleeding

• Abdominal pain 

• Bloody urine 

• Coughing up blood 

• Lightheadedness

• Change in vision 

• Slow wound healing 

• Signs of kidney problems 

Note - Always inform your doctor, if you experience any unusual symptoms   

Dosage

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by doctor or nurse. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, age, and response to the treatment. 

Missed dose 

• In case you missed a dose, immediately contact your doctor. 

Overdose 

• Emergency medical treatment required, in case of an overdose.

Usage of Cyramza (ramucirumab) 

This medication is used to treat stomach cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and it is also approved to treat colorectal cancer. It is also approved for use in combination with docetaxel to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. This medication is given by slow injection into a vein by a doctor or nurse. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, age, and response to the treatment.

General warnings and precautions 

• Cyramza increase the risk of hemorrhage. 

• This medication increases the risk of gastrointestinal perforations. 

• Impaired wound healing can occur in patients who receive drugs that inhibit VEGF and VEGFR pathways. 

• Infusion related observed reactions that include - back pains, chest pain, chills etc. 

• Before using this medication tell your doctor about your medical history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, liver disease. 

Cautionary labels  

• Increases risk of bleeding 

• Close monitoring is necessary 

• Not safe for pregnant womens 

Q1. What is Cyramza (ramucirumab)?

Ans. Cyramza (ramucirumab) is a medicine used to treat stomach cancer (that got worse during or after a certain other type of chemotherapy), colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. 

Q2. How does it work? 

Ans. Ramucirumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by targeting and binding with the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and blocks the activation of VEGF. 

Q3. What are the side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are - vomiting, constipation, fainting, fever, chills, swelling, chest pain, joint pain, weakness, shivering, nose bleeds, itching. 

Q4. How is Cyramza given? 

Ans. This medication is given in the form of injection into your vein by your doctor or nurse. Follow your doctor dosing information carefully. 

Q5. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. It is available in the strength of 500mg/50ml. 

Q6. What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Ans. Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food or activity. 

Q7. What if I miss a dose? 

Ans. Immediately contact your doctor, if you miss a dose of Cyramza. 

Q8. What are the self-care tips? 

Ans. Keep yourself hydrated and maintain good nutrition. Close monitoring is necessary. 

Q9. When should patients notify their physician? 

Ans. This medication can cause severe bleeding, abdominal pain, diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occurs immediately contact your doctor. 

Q10. Is it safe to take this medicine during pregnancy?

Ans. Cyramza (ramucirumab) injection is unsafe to use during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor. 

Q11. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans.It is advisable to consult your doctor, before consuming alcohol. 

Q12. Is it safe to take this medicine during breastfeeding? 

Ans. This medicine is unsafe to take during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor regarding this. 

Q13. Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. Cyramza (ramucirumab) injection does not usually affect your ability to drive. 

Q14. What are the storage conditions? 

Ans. Protect this medicine from light and do not shake or freeze the vial. 

Interactions

Before taking Cyramza (ramucirumab) injection, talk with your doctor and tell them about all prescriptions and other drugs you take. 

Medicine interaction 

• Methotrexate 

• Lasix 

• Warfarin 

• Taxol 

• Oxaliplatin 

• Bisacodyl 

• Decadron 

• Xeloda 

• Irinotecan 

Disease interaction 

• Bleeding 

• Liver dysfunction 

• Hypertension 

• Hypothyroidism 

• Thromboembolic disorders 

Alcohol interaction 

• Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming. 

Contraindications

•  Cyramza (ramucirumab) injection is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ramucirumab or to any other drug used in the formulation.