Ramucirumab
Say it: ram-yoo-SIR-oo-mab · Brand names: Cyramza
Ramucirumab is a targeted antibody medicine that helps cut off the blood supply that tumors need to grow.
What it is
Tumors need new blood vessels to grow. Ramucirumab blocks a receptor called VEGFR2 that blood vessel cells use to answer growth signals. This slows the growth of new blood vessels that feed the tumor.
Often used for
- stomach cancer
- cancer where the esophagus meets the stomach
- lung cancer
- colon and rectal cancer
- liver cancer
How you get it
You get ramucirumab as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 60 minutes. It is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks, often with chemotherapy or another medicine. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- High blood pressure. Your team will check it at every visit.
- Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Lower appetite. Small meals and snacks may be easier.
- Headache. Tell your team if it is very bad.
- Nosebleeds. Pinch your nose and lean forward.
- Swelling in your feet or legs. Raise your legs when sitting.
- Protein in your urine. Your team will check your urine.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Very bad belly pain, swelling, vomiting, or fever (possible sign of a hole in the bowel)
- Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black stools
- Chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, or trouble speaking
- Severe headache with confusion, seizures, or vision changes
- Chills, flushing, or trouble breathing during or after the infusion
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have had surgery recently or have surgery planned
- If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or have had a stroke
- If you have liver disease, such as cirrhosis
- If you have bleeding problems or take blood thinners
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can slow wound healing. It is usually stopped before planned surgery.
- Rarely, it can cause serious bleeding, a hole in the bowel, heart attack, or stroke.
- You will have your blood pressure, urine, and thyroid checked during treatment.
- You will get medicine before each infusion to help prevent reactions.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.
Questions to ask
- Do I need to check my blood pressure at home?
- Which medicine will I get with ramucirumab?
- What should I do before surgery or dental work?
- How long will I get this medicine?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Ramucirumab?
- Ramucirumab is a targeted antibody medicine that helps cut off the blood supply that tumors need to grow. Brand names: Cyramza.
- What is Ramucirumab used for?
- stomach cancer; cancer where the esophagus meets the stomach; lung cancer; colon and rectal cancer; liver cancer.
- How is Ramucirumab given?
- You get ramucirumab as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 60 minutes. It is usually given every 2 or 3 weeks, often with chemotherapy or another medicine. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Ramucirumab?
- High blood pressure. Diarrhea. Feeling tired. Lower appetite. Headache. Nosebleeds. Swelling in your feet or legs. Protein in your urine.
- When should I call my care team while taking Ramucirumab?
- Very bad belly pain, swelling, vomiting, or fever (possible sign of a hole in the bowel); Bleeding that will not stop, vomiting blood, or black stools; Chest pain, sudden weakness on one side, or trouble speaking; Severe headache with confusion, seizures, or vision changes; Chills, flushing, or trouble breathing during or after the infusion.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.