Cyramza

Before taking this medicine

The FDA label lists no formal contraindications for Cyramza (ramucirumab). However, it carries serious risks that may require treatment to be withheld or permanently stopped. Cyramza increases the risk of severe or fatal bleeding, including bleeding in the stomach or intestines, and potentially fatal holes in the stomach or intestinal wall. Serious and sometimes fatal blood clots in arteries can also occur. Treatment must be permanently stopped if severe bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation or an arterial clot occurs. Cyramza can impair wound healing. It must be withheld for 28 days before planned surgery and for at least 2 weeks after major surgery, and until wounds have adequately healed. The safety of restarting treatment after wound-healing complications has not been established. Other conditions requiring caution include: - High blood pressure: blood pressure must be monitored and treated. Severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure may require treatment to be withheld or permanently stopped. - Infusion reactions: monitoring is required during infusion, and severe reactions require permanent discontinuation. - Pre-existing Child-Pugh B or C cirrhosis: brain dysfunction, fluid buildup in the abdomen, or kidney problems associated with liver disease may develop or worsen. - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, a brain condition requiring permanent discontinuation. - Protein in the urine, including nephrotic syndrome: urine monitoring is required, and treatment may need to be withheld or permanently stopped. - Thyroid dysfunction: thyroid function should be monitored during treatment. Cyramza can harm an unborn baby. People who could become pregnant should use effective contraception. Do not breastfeed during treatment.