Erlotinib

Generic name: Erlotinib
Brand names: Tarceva
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class: EGFR inhibitors

Usage of Erlotinib

Erlotinib is a type of targeted therapy used to treat cancer.

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the kinase activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is involved in cell growth and survival.

EGFR is found on the surface of normal and cancerous cells. Sometimes normal versions of the EGFR protein can contribute to the development of cancer, but in other cases mutations can occur in the EGFR protein, which enable cancer cells to grow, divide and spread faster.

Erlotinib is used to treat pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is only used to treat cases of NSCLC that have specific mutations in their EGRF protein - exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations.

Erlotinib was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. It is available under the brand name Tarceva and also as a generic tablet.

Erlotinib side effects

Erlotinib can cause serious side effects including:

  • See "Important information" above.

    • Erlotinib can cause skin, hair and nail problems:

  • While taking erlotinib a rash could appear or get worse if the skin is exposed to the sun. You may want to use alcohol-free lotions and sunscreens or avoid being out in the sun.
  • Your skin and nails may get darker while taking erlotinib. You may also have dry skin that may or may not crack. This most often happens with rash.
  • You may get more hairy and develop brittle or loose nails.

    • The most common side effects of erlotinib in patients with NSCLC who had not received previous chemotherapy are:

  • diarrhea
  • weakness
  • rash
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of appetite (not wanting to eat)

    • The most common side effects of erlotinib in patients with NSCLC receiving it as maintenance, 2nd or 3rd line therapy are:

  • rash
  • diarrhea

    • The most common side effects of erlotinib in patients with pancreatic cancer are:

  • fatigue (feeling very tired)
  • rash
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea

    • These are not all of the possible side effects with erlotinib. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

    You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

    Before taking Erlotinib

    Erlotinib can harm an unborn baby. Women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose of erlotinib. Tell your healthcare provider if you have become pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant, during treatment with erlotinib.

    Do not breastfeed during treatment with erlotinib and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

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    How to use Erlotinib

    The recommended dose of erlotinib is:

  • 150 mg once daily in patients with NSCLC.
  • 100 mg once daily in patients with pancreatic cancer.

    • Erlotinib should be taken on an empty stomach.

    Warnings

    Erlotinib can cause serious side effects, including

  • Lung problems called interstitial lung disease events. Erlotinib has been shown to cause lung problems, including death. Symptoms of lung problems may include shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Erlotinib may need to be stopped if you have any of these symptoms.
  • Liver and kidney problems. Erlotinib has been shown to cause severe kidney and liver problems, including death. Some people had their kidneys and liver stop working. Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.
  • Stomach and intestinal problems called gastrointestinal perforation. Erlotinib has been shown to cause gastrointestinal perforation, which has led to death. A gastrointestinal perforation is a hole that develops in your stomach or intestine. Erlotinib patients may be at a higher risk for gastrointestinal perforation if they:
  • Are taking medicines including those that may help block the growth of blood vessels; steroids; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and certain chemotherapies. Always tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking.
  • Have a history of ulcers or other stomach disease.
  • Serious skin conditions. Erlotinib has been shown to cause blistering and skin peeling. This may result in other serious skin disorders or death.
  • Blood, bleeding, and clotting problems. Erlotinib has been shown to cause certain blood problems and other bleeding and clotting problems. These have led to stroke and death.
  • Eye disorders. Erlotinib has been shown to cause dry eyes, unusual eyelash growth, or swelling of the cornea. The cornea is the clear coating of the eyeball. This swelling may irritate or damage the eye.
  • Bleeding events when taking warfarin with erlotinib. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. Taking erlotinib with this medicine can cause death.
  • Pregnancy. Erlotinib can harm an unborn baby. Women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 1 month after the last dose of erlotinib. Tell your healthcare provider if you have become pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant, during treatment with erlotinib. Do not breast-feed during treatment with erlotinib and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

    • Call your healthcare provider if you experience the following while taking erlotinib:

  • Serious or ongoing diarrhea, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), loss of appetite, or vomiting.
  • New or worsening shortness of breath or cough.
  • Eye irritation.
  • New or worsening rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin.
  • Any changes in smoking habits.

    • What other drugs will affect Erlotinib

    Erlotinib can interact with a number of other medications. You may need to adjust the dose or timing of erlotinib or your other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

    Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medicines or supplements.

    Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice before talking with your healthcare provider.

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    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. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com 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.

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