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Generic Name: erlotinib (er low TI nib)
Brand Names: Tarceva

What is erlotinib?

Erlotinib is a cancer chemotherapy medication. Erlotinib interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Erlotinib is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Erlotinib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about erlotinib?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from erlotinib, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• lung problems (especially new or worsening difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increased coughing, fever, or chest pain);

• severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea; or

• eye pain or irritation.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erlotinib?

• liver disease; or

• lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer).

You may not be able to take erlotinib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I use erlotinib?

Take erlotinib at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

It is important to take erlotinib regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with erlotinib to monitor progress and side effects.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount, frequency and duration of treatment with erlotinib depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of erlotinib.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a erlotinib overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using erlotinib?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with erlotinib unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Erlotinib side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from erlotinib, contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• lung problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increased coughing, fever, or chest pain);

• severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea; or

• eye pain or irritation.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking erlotinib and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea;

• skin rash, dryness, itching, or acne; or

• weakness.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with erlotinib.

What other drugs will affect erlotinib?

Before taking erlotinib, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir);

• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), rifabutin (Mycobutin), or rifapentine (Priftin);

• clarithromycin (Biaxin);

• nefazodone;

• telithromycin (Ketek);

• troleandomycin (TAO);

• carbamazepine (Tegretol);

• phenobarbital (Luminal);

• phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), or voriconazole (Vfend); or

• St. John's Wort.

You may not be able to take erlotinib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with erlotinib. The interaction could lead to adverse effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.

Many other drugs may interact with erlotinib. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your healthcare provider may have additional information about erlotinib that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Erlotinib is available with a prescription under the brand name Tarceva. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Tarceva 25 mg-white film-coated tablets

• Tarceva 100 mg-white film-coated tablets

• Tarceva 150 mg-white film-coated tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.