For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Tarceva
Generic Name: Erlotinib
Instructions
Take on empty stomach - 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
You may need to cycle between periods of taking the medicine and taking breaks from the medicine to allow your body to recover. Follow your instructions carefully.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.
Do not take this medicine with antacids.
Medicines that lower stomach acid (used to treat indigestion, heartburn or ulcers) may prevent this medicine from working properly.
Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.
Smoking may affect the level of this medicine in your body. Tell your doctor if you smoke, or stop smoking while on this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Always refill this medicine before it runs out.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- coughing
- diarrhea
- hair growth
- mouth sores or irritation
- weakness
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- severe or persistent abdominal pain
- bleeding or bruising
- blurry vision
- chest pain
- coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
- swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
- pain in the eye
- dry eyes
- severe or persistent headache
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- shortness of breath
- red, peeling or blistering skin
- bloody or dark, tarry stools
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ERLOTINIB - ORAL
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
