What is Erlotinib for:

This medication is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, prescribed for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

How does Erlotinib work:

Erlotinib harms cancer cells causing their death

How should Erlotinib be used:

PO- The recommended daily dose is 100 to 150 mg taken on an empty stomach. It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, on an empty stomach.

Common side effects of Erlotinib :

Chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu. Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Feeling tired or weak. Rash. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Loose stools (diarrhea). Headache. Belly pain. Cough. Eye irritation. Skin irritation. Harm to the lungs may rarely happen.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What precautions should I take when taking Erlotinib :

If you have an allergy to erlotinib or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant. If you are breast-feeding.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain. Trouble breathing. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very loose stools (diarrhea). Any bruising or bleeding. Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes. Not able to eat. Cough that does not go away. Feeling very tired or weak. Not able to pass urine. Sudden change in eyesight, eye pain, or irritation. A big weight loss. Very bad skin irritation. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take Erlotinib with other medicines:

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. - Taking them together can cause bad side effects. - Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store Erlotinib :

Store it at room temperature (25°C).

Pregnancy Category

Category D : There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Cytotoxic Chemotherapy