Tarceva

Details

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Erlotinib 100mg, 150mg Tablets are Anti Cancer agents. It is a quinazolinone, which is a kinase inhibitor. Tarceva is the universal name of this drug by which it is available in pharmacies.

Purpose:

• This drug is indicated for the first-line and maintenance treatment of patients with advanced (Stage IIIB) or metastatic (Stage IV) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations.
• Erlotinib 100mg, 150mg Tablets are also indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have previously received chemotherapy.

Mechanism:

Erlotinib 100mg, 150mg Tablets reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of the Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It prevents the cancer cells from growing, prevents the new ones from attacking the body, and kills the present ones.

Dosage:

• Tarceva is strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
• The recommended dose of this drug for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer for effective results is 150mg, once daily, on an empty stomach, at least one hour prior to the process of ingestion.
• The recommended dose for Pancreatic cancer is 100mg, once daily, on an empty stomach, at least two hours prior to the process of ingestion.

Side effects:

• Common side effects of Tarceva tablets are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, diarrhea, headache, and lightheadedness.
• Serious side effects are Interstitial Lung Disease (ILDF), renal failure, gastrointestinal perforation, hepatotoxicity with or without hepatic impairment, cerebrovascular accident, bullous and exfoliative skin disorders, ocular disorders, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia, and hemorrhage in patients taking Warfarin.
• In rare cases, an eye disorder ocular inflammation including uveitis might show up.
• If any of the above-mentioned side effects persist for long, consult your doctor right away.

Precautions and measures:

• Keep a regular check on your blood pressure while you’re on medication for these tablets.
• The safety of this drug in children has not been established.
• If you have had a medical history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, aneurysm, break in the aorta, liver disease, heart attack, or any recent injury, inform your doctor.
• Low levels of magnesium and potassium in the blood.
• This medication can result in delayed healing of wounds.
• If you’re planning to have surgery, during the tenure of this drug, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Pregnant women are advised not to consume Erlotinib 100mg, 150mg Tablets as it is absorbed through the lungs and skin and can harm the unborn baby.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during the tenure of Tarceva tablets and for 2 weeks after discontinuing the drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tarceva (Erlotinib) used for?

Tarceva contains erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is used for certain patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and, in applicable prescribing settings, for advanced pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine. Use depends on the patient’s disease characteristics and applicable local regulatory approvals.

2. How does Tarceva (Erlotinib) work?

Erlotinib works by reversibly inhibiting the kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Blocking EGFR signaling can interfere with pathways involved in the growth and proliferation of certain cancer cells.

3. What strengths of Tarceva tablets are available?

Tarceva is available as 25 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tablets according to prescribing information. The Lotus International product page specifically lists Erlotinib 100 mg and 150 mg tablets. Availability and packaging should be confirmed with Lotus International when placing an international supply enquiry.

4. How is Tarceva administered?

Tarceva is an oral tablet taken according to the prescribing healthcare professional’s instructions. The U.S. prescribing information specifies administration at least one hour before or two hours after food. The recommended dose varies according to the indication; for example, the labeled NSCLC dose is 150 mg once daily, while the pancreatic cancer dose is 100 mg once daily when used with gemcitabine.

5. Can international buyers source Tarceva from Lotus International?

Lotus International supplies oncology medicines from India to international importers, pharmaceutical distributors, wholesalers, hospitals, and procurement organizations. Buyers can contact Lotus International regarding Tarceva or erlotinib supply, including product availability, quantities, packaging, documentation, and export requirements. Lotus states that it accepts bulk orders for oncology medicines.