panitumumab
Vectibix · ATC code L01XC08
- Key facts
- Active substance
- panitumumab
- ATC code
- L01XC08
- Authorisation
- centrally authorised across the EU (EMA)
- Dosage forms
- Vectibix 20 mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion.
- Marketing authorisation holder
- Amgen Europe B.V.
- Information as of
- 2026-10-28
Key facts
Panitumumab is a monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) used to treat wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer in adults (Vectibix, intravenous infusion).
What it is used for
- Wild-type RAS metastatic colorectal cancer in adults: first-line with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI.
- Second-line with FOLFIRI after first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (excluding irinotecan).
- As monotherapy after failure of fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-containing regimens.
Dosing
- Wild-type RAS status (KRAS and NRAS) must be confirmed with validated test methods before starting.
- Vectibix: 6 mg/kg bodyweight once every two weeks as an intravenous infusion via infusion pump, not as a push or bolus.
- Infusion time approximately 60 minutes; if tolerated, subsequent infusions over 30 to 60 minutes; doses higher than 1,000 mg over approximately 90 minutes.
- For severe (≥ grade 3) skin reactions withhold 1 or 2 doses; if improved, continue at 100%, at the second occurrence 80% and at the third 60% of the original dose; discontinue at the fourth occurrence.
- Not studied in renal or hepatic impairment.
Contraindications
- History of severe or life-threatening hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipient.
- Interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.
- Combination with oxaliplatin-containing chemotherapy in mutant RAS or unknown RAS status mCRC.
Important warnings
- Skin reactions in approximately 94% of patients, severe (grade 3) in 23%; infectious complications including sepsis and necrotising fasciitis may occur. Sunscreen and limiting sun exposure are recommended.
- Hypomagnesaemia up to grade 4 and hypocalcaemia: monitor before starting and periodically for up to 8 weeks after treatment.
- Infusion-related reactions, including severe ones.
- Interstitial lung disease, including fatal cases.
- Ulcerative keratitis, which may lead to corneal perforation.
Side effects
- Skin reactions in approximately 94% of patients (mostly mild to moderate).
- Very common (≥ 20%): diarrhoea (46%), nausea (39%), vomiting (26%), constipation (23%), abdominal pain (23%), fatigue (35%), pyrexia (21%), decreased appetite (30%), paronychia (20%), rash (47%), dermatitis acneiform (39%), pruritus (36%), erythema (33%) and dry skin (21%).
Interactions
- Should not be given with IFL chemotherapy (high incidence of severe diarrhoea) or bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy (increased toxicity and deaths).
- Irinotecan does not alter panitumumab pharmacokinetics and vice versa.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- May cause foetal harm; women of childbearing potential must use contraception during treatment and for 2 months afterwards.
- Do not breast-feed during treatment and for 2 months after the last dose.
Summary of the official product information, written with AI on 2026-10-29. Every number was checked automatically against the original text. Not reviewed by a physician – the full official text is authoritative.
Common questions – ask Medelix
For patients
Package leaflet, verbatim
This product has no separate US patient information.
Authorisation and brand names by country
Medicines with exactly this active-substance composition, as listed in the national registers – alphabetical and without ranking. Whether a product is currently available is not shown here.
EU – centrally authorised (all member states)
- VectibixAmgen Europe B.V. · EMEA/H/C/000741
Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA), product information
Turkey
- VectibixAMGEN İLAÇ TİC. LTD. ŞTİ. · 2 register entries
Source: TİTCK – Ruhsatlı Beşeri Tıbbi Ürünler Listesi, as of 2026-10-16
Brand names in 2 more European countries
- Iceland
- Vectibix
- Norway
- Vectibix
EMA – Article 57 product data (EU/EEA), 2026-10-29
Medelix receives no money from pharmaceutical companies. Brand names are listed alphabetically and without ranking.
Other substances in the same group
Another question about this substance?
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Sources
- European Medicines Agency. Vectibix – EPAR, Product Information. 2026-10-28. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/vectibix-epar-product-information_en.pdf
- TİTCK – Ruhsatlı Beşeri Tıbbi Ürünler Listesi, 2026-10-16. https://www.titck.gov.tr/dinamikmodul/85
Editorial: Medelix editorial team · last updated 2026-10-28 · How these pages are made · Report an error
Source: European Medicines Agency (EMA), product information. Not advertising, not a treatment recommendation. For questions about your own treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist.