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Overview: Portrazza is an intravenous (IV) medicine used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer. It works by helping to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Common side effects include rash and low magnesium levels. Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious side effect, such as sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in your heart rate or rhythm, weakness on one side of your body, slurred speech, or vision loss. Keep all appointments for blood tests before, during, and after using Portrazza.

Uses

What is Portrazza used for?

Portrazza (necitumumab) is commonly used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Portrazza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Portrazza work (mechanism of action)?

In some cancers, a protein on the surface of your cells called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can become overactive and cause cancer cells to grow out of control. Portrazza is an antibody (a type of protein) that binds to EGFR and stops it from working. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How is Portrazza supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Portrazza

Dosage forms and strengths

Portrazza is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Portrazza?

Portrazza is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Portrazza?

The most common side effects of Portrazza are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash
  • Low magnesium levels (see below)

There may be other side effects of Portrazza that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Portrazza?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Portrazza are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Portrazza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Sudden Heart Rhythm Changes. Portrazza may cause sudden heart rhythm changes that can cause the heart to stop beating (cardiac arrest). Cardiac arrest can be life-threatening. Some people may have a higher risk of this, including people who already have heart disease, low magnesium levels, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or high blood pressure. Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of sudden heart rhythm changes.

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeat

Low Magnesium Levels (Hypomagnesemia). Portrazza commonly causes low magnesium levels, and this can sometimes be serious. Portrazza may also cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) or low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Keep all your appointments for blood tests to check the levels of certain minerals in your body (called electrolytes) before, during, and after using Portrazza. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat
  • Muscle spasms or tremors
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Weakness or unusual sleepiness

Skin Reactions. Portrazza commonly causes certain skin reactions, which can sometimes be severe. The risk of these reactions may increase with sun exposure. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms that bother you or are severe.

  • Rash
  • Acne or acne-like bumps
  • Dry skin
  • Itching
  • Cracks in your skin
  • Skin redness

Blood Clots. Portrazza may cause a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of blood clots. 

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
  • Pain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or leg
  • Vision loss
  • Bulging eyes 
  • Double vision

Infusion Reactions. Portrazza can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. To reduce your risk of these reactions, your health care provider may prescribe other medicines for you to take before you are given Portrazza. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Fever or chills
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Hives
  • Nausea or vomiting

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Portrazza?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Portrazza.

  • Necitumumab
  • Portrazza
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Portrazza.

What should I know about Portrazza before using it?

Portrazza is usually given by a health care provider as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic. You may get other medicines before your dose of Portrazza to reduce your risk of certain side effects, such as infusion reactions.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for regular blood tests, during and after treatment with Portrazza. It is important to attend all appointments so your health care provider can make sure it is safe for you to use Portrazza. If you miss any appointments, reschedule with your health care provider right away.

You should try to limit sun exposure while you are using Portrazza. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. This is to help reduce your risk for certain skin reactions caused by Portrazza.

People aged 70 and older can be at greater risk of some side effects from Portrazza. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Portrazza?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Portrazza is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Pregnancy. Portrazza may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not be pregnant while using Portrazza. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Portrazza and for three months after your last dose.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Portrazza passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while using Portrazza and for three months after your last dose.

How can I get more information about Portrazza?

For more information about Portrazza, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at medical.lilly.com/us/products/medical-information/oncology/portrazza or call them at 800-545-5979.

Interactions

Does Portrazza interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Portrazza and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Portrazza, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Portrazza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Portrazza and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Portrazza?

If you or someone else has used too much Portrazza, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Portrazza?

Portrazza is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Portrazza as scheduled. It is important not to miss or skip appointments to get your Portrazza dose unless your health care provider tells you to. Missing doses of Portrazza can cause it to not work as well.

If you miss an appointment to get your Portrazza dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.