Tarceva
Drugs That Control Genes May Treat Lung Cancer »
"Nov. 9, 2011 -- A new approach to treating cancer appears to help certain patients with advanced lung cancer, and researchers say they think they may have a way of spotting those who will benefit.
The small study is generating big ex"...
Read the Drugs That Control Genes May Treat Lung Cancer article »
Tarceva
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 take 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)?
You should not take erlotinib if you are allergic to it.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
- lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer);
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- if you are dehydrated; or
- if you smoke.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not take erlotinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control while you are taking this medication and for at least 2 weeks after your treatment ends.
It is not known whether erlotinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while taking erlotinib.
How should I take erlotinib (Tarceva)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Take erlotinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Do not crush an erlotinib tablet. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with erlotinib. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Additional Tarceva Information
Tarceva - User Reviews
Tarceva User Reviews
Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.
Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Tarceva sorted by most helpful.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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