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In this Article

• What is erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• What are the possible side effects of erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• What is the most important information I should know about erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• How should I use erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tarceva)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tarceva)?
• What should I avoid while using erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• What other drugs will affect erlotinib (Tarceva)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Tarceva)?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of erlotinib.

What happens if I overdose (Tarceva)?

If an overdose of erlotinib is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

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 (Tarceva)?

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

What other drugs will affect erlotinib (Tarceva)?

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.

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.

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