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home > drugs a-z list > tarceva (erlotinib) drug center > tarceva (erlotinib) drug - patient how to take
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Pancreatic cancer facts
- Most pancreatic cancers are adenocarcinomas.
- Few patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have identifiable risk factors.
- Pancreatic cancer is highly lethal.
- Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose, and the diagnosis is often made late in the disease course. Symptoms include weight loss, back pain, and jaundice.
- The only curable treatment is surgical removal of all cancer.
- Chemotherapy after surgery can lower the chances of the cancer returning.
- Chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer can extend life and improve the quality of life for people with the disease.
- Patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are encouraged to seek out clinical trials to improve pancreatic cancer treatment.
- Many organizations exist to help provide information and support for patients and families fighting pancreatic cancer.
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Tarceva
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Tarceva Patient Information including How Should I Take
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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erlotinib (Tarceva)?
Do not use erlotinib without first talking to your doctor if you have
- 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.
Erlotinib is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use erlotinib without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Birth control should be used during treatment with erlotinib and for at least 2 weeks after treatment completion.
It is not known whether erlotinib passes into breast milk. Do not take erlotinib without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use erlotinib (Tarceva)?
Take erlotinib at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
Take each dose of erlotinib with a full glass of water.
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.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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