Cyramza (ramucirumab) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Cyramza 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.
Cyramza is usually given after other cancer medicines have been tried without success.
Important information
Cyramza can increase your risk of serious bleeding. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood, or any heavy or unusual bleeding.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Cyramza if you are allergic to ramucirumab, or if you have:
To make sure Cyramza is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-
high blood pressure;
-
an unhealed incision from recent surgery;
-
a thyroid disorder;
-
if you take any NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine. Cyramza may affect fertility (your ability to have children).
Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are receiving Cyramza, and for at least 3 months after your treatment ends.
It is not known whether ramucirumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Cyramza.
How is Cyramza given?
Cyramza is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving Cyramza.
Cyramza is sometimes given once every 2 weeks. It 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 Cyramza, you may need frequent blood or urine tests. Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Cyramza. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Cyramza injection.
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 Cyramza?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Cyramza side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cyramza: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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.
Cyramza can increase your risk of serious bleeding.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
-
any wound that will not heal;
-
headache, confusion, change in mental status, vision loss, seizure (convulsions);
-
severe or ongoing stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea;
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
low white blood cell counts - fever, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
-
dangerously high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats;
-
kidney problems - puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, urine that looks foamy;
-
signs of stomach bleeding - severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
-
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 Cyramza side effects may include:
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Cyramza?
Other drugs may interact with ramucirumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
