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.