Key facts about Portrazza
What is Portrazza?
Portrazza is the brand name for necitumumab and is available as an injection for IV use.
What dosages is Portrazza available in?
Portrazza is available as a 800 mg/50 mL (16 mg/mL) injection for IV use.
What is Portrazza used for?
Portrazza is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
antagonist indicated, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, for first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
How does Portrazza work?
Portrazza is a targeted anticancer medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It blocks a protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Sometimes, EGFR sends signals to cancer cells that tell them to grow. So when we block this receptor with Portrazza, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well. This medication is given with chemotherapy for up to 4 months. After that, your provider might continue treatment with Portrazza by itself as long as it’s working and you’re not experiencing any serious side effects.
How do I take Portrazza?
Portrazza is given intravenously at a provider’s office or infusion center. A healthcare provider will infuse the medication either through your arm or another access device, like a port. It’s usually given with chemotherapy once a week for two weeks, then you take a one week break. Typically, you’ll receive Portrazza with chemotherapy for up to 4 months. After that, your provider will stop the chemotherapy and might continue to treat you with Portrazza by itself depending on how this medication has been working for you.
Is it safe for me to take Portrazza?
Portrazza is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Portrazza Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Portrazza:
- Rash
- Low magnesium levels
Portrazza Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Portrazza.
There are two black box warnings for Portrazza. The first is a risk of cardiac arrest and sudden death, which might be related to changes in blood levels of electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. The second warning is specifically about low magnesium levels in the blood, which if severe enough, can lead to life-threatening heart rhythm problems.
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Portrazza
There are no major drug interactions listed for Portrazza. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Portrazza?
Eli Lilly and Company
Is Portrazza safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, Portrazza can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If you can become pregnant you should use effective contraception during treatment with Portrazza and for three months following the final dose.













