Erlotinib 150mg

Erlotinib, Tarceva

Description: Antineoplastic Agent, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship 

Erlotinib, Tarceva is a reversible overall Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGRF) Inhibitor in addition to inhibiting tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation and thus blocking the activity of downstream signalling pathways related to growth and apoptosis suppression. Erlotinib has higher binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 (L858R) mutations than for the wild type receptor.

Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cance; Pancreatic cancer, locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic

Before starting Erlotinib, Tarceva make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.   It is important that your doctor carefully monitor you for cardiovascular toxicity (i.e. left ventricular ejection fraction); signs of dermatologic toxicity (i.e. acneiform rash, erythema, rash); GI toxicity; hepatotoxicity (i.e. elevated liver enzymes); ocular toxicity; pulmonary toxicity (i.e. interstitial lung disease).  In addition, Erlotinib, Tarceva should be used with caution in patients with hepatic and renal impairment.

Oral: 100-150mg once daily.

How to Take: The manufacturer recommends administration on an empty stomach (≥1 hour before or 2 hours after the ingestion of food). If taken with an H2-receptor antagonist, administer erlotinib 10 hours after the H2-receptor antagonist dose and ≥2 hours prior to the next H2-receptor dose. If an antacid is necessary, separate dosing by several hours.

You Need to Avoid: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Avoid concomitant use with proton pump inhibitors (if possible).

Skin rash, paronychia, xeroderma, pruritus, acne vulgaris, chest pain, fatigue, cough, dyspnea, conjunctivitis, weakness, back pain, arthralgia, musculoskeletal pain, increased rate of infection, anemia, urinary tract infection, fever, diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, mucositis, stomatitis, abdominal pain, constipation

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Erlotinib, Tarceva only common ones

1. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.