Drug General Information (ID: DDI97EBMJN)
  Drug Name Cetuximab Drug Info Verteporfin Drug Info
  Drug Type Monoclonal antibody Small molecule
  Therapeutic Class Antineoplastics Antineoplastics

 Mechanism of Cetuximab-Verteporfin Interaction (Severity Level: Moderate)
     Increased risk of photosensitivity reactions Click to Show/Hide Mechanism Graph
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      Drug Name Cetuximab Verteporfin
      Mechanism Photosensitivity reactions Photosensitivity reactions
      Key Mechanism Factor 1
Factor Name Photosensitivity reactions
Factor Description Drug-induced photosensitivity reactions occur when certain photosensitizing drugs cause unexpected sunburn or dermatitis (dry, bumpy or blistering rash) on sun-exposed skin (face, neck, arms, backs of hands, and often lower legs and feet). The rash may or may not be itchy.
      Mechanism Description
  • Increased risk of photosensitivity reactions by the combination of Cetuximab and Verteporfin 

Recommended Action
      Management Caution is advised and pharmacologic response to photodynamic therapy should be carefully monitored if concomitant use of other photosensitizing agents cannot be avoided. Patients should be advised to avoid exposure of skin or eyes to sunlight or bright indoor lights (e.g., examination lamps, operating room lamps, tanning beds, lights at close proximity) for 5 days after administration of verteporfin.

References
1 Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics.".
2 Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel.
3 Product Information. Nulibry (fosdenopterin). Origin Biosciences Inc, Boston, MA.
4 Product Information. Visudyne (verteporfin) Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Costa Mesa, CA.