Portrazza (necitumumab) is a targeted anticancer medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). More specifically, it blocks a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Portrazza (necitumumab) is given intravenously (IV) by a healthcare provider at their office or an infusion center. Though it’s still approved by the FDA, Portrazza (necitumumab) isn't a recommended medication in the United States any longer because there are other treatments that work just as well or better and that don’t have as many side effects.
| Common Brands | Portrazza |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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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.
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.
Though it is still approved by the FDA, Portrazza is no longer a recommended treatment option for NSCLC in the United States and not often prescribed. This is because there are other treatments that work just as well or better for NSCLC and that don’t have as many serious side effects.
Portrazza can commonly cause an acne-like skin rash on the face, upper back, and chest. This rash can be itchy and your provider might give you creams, lotions, or oral medications to help treat it. Portrazza can also cause low blood levels of magnesium and your provider might prescribe magnesium supplements if your levels are too low. Let your provider know if you experience muscle cramps or muscle twitching because this could be a sign of low magnesium. In addition, you might experience other common side effects like nausea and vomiting, but these are more related to the chemotherapy that’s given 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. Your provider will order blood tests to check your electrolyte levels closely (usually once a week) during Portrazza treatment and for at least 2 months after your last dose. They can prescribe magnesium supplements if your levels are too low. You can talk with your provider if you have more questions about the serious side effects of this medication.
