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erlotinib
erlotinib
What is the most important information I should know about erlotinib?
What is the most important information I should know about erlotinib?
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
What is erlotinib?
What is erlotinib?
Erlotinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Erlotinib is usually given after other treatments have failed.
Erlotinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erlotinib?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking erlotinib?
You should not take erlotinib if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer);
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- stomach bleeding;
- eye problems;
- if you are dehydrated;
- if you smoke; or
- if you also take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
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 1 month after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take erlotinib?
How should I take erlotinib?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take erlotinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
If you have diarrhea while taking erlotinib: start taking anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) to quickly treat diarrhea. Drink extra fluids and call your doctor if you have severe diarrhea.
You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine (on an empty stomach) as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe diarrhea or severe skin rash.
What should I avoid while using erlotinib?
What should I avoid while using erlotinib?
Avoid smoking. It can make erlotinib less effective.
Grapefruit may interact with erlotinib and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.
Avoid taking an antacid within several hours before or after you take erlotinib. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine to reduce stomach acid, such as cimetidine (Tagamet).
Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John's wort.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Erlotinib can cause skin rash, dryness, or other irritation. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Avoid using skin products that can cause dryness or irritation, such as acne medications, harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products that contain alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of erlotinib?
What are the possible side effects of erlotinib?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Stop using erlotinib and call your doctor at once if you have:
- sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
- severe stomach pain, fever, chills, coughing up blood;
- severe ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- eye pain or irritation, vision problems;
- heart attack symptoms --chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
- signs of a stroke --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or
- kidney or liver problems --little or no urinating; swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection); nausea, vomiting; dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Erlotinib may cause increased growth of body hair, or loose, brittle nails on your fingers or toes.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
- cough, trouble breathing;
- rash; or
- feeling weak or tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect erlotinib?
What other drugs will affect erlotinib?
Many drugs can affect erlotinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about erlotinib.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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