Product Description
TARCEVA contains the active substance Erlotinib. It is used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
It belongs to the group of medicines known as ‘kinase inhibitors’. It works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In this way, it prevents the spread of cancerous cells.
Inform the doctor if you have any active infection, bleeding disorders, diarrhea, stomach pain, hypertension, diabetes, kidney diseases, liver diseases, vision problems or use contact lenses.
Inform the doctor about all your medical conditions, prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamin supplements, and herbal medications, as TARCEVA can interact with them. TARCEVA can cause an allergic reaction in some patients therefore it is necessary to read the complete composition list and consult the doctor in case of any ingredient that induces allergies.
Consult the doctor if you are planning, on a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is advisable to avoid driving and operating heavy machinery during the course of TARCEVA.
Indications of TARCEVA
TARCEVA is indicated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Therapeutic Effects of TARCEVA
TARCEVA Tablet contains ‘Erlotinib’ that belongs to the group of medicines known as ‘kinase inhibitors’. It works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In this way, it prevents the spread of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
TARCEVA should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed or broken up. It should be taken on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after eating. The medicine can be taken with or without food. Taking these medicines regularly at the same time increases their effectiveness. A dose of this medicine should not be missed as it can affect your recovery. Take a missed dose as soon as possible, but skip it if the next dose is near; continue with your regular schedule. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual’s condition and response to the medication.
Your doctor will decide the dose and frequency of administration based on your health condition.
Storage
- TARCEVA should be stored below 30°C temperature at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Keep the medicine in the original container to protect from light and moisture.
- Keep TARCEVA out of sight and reach of children.
Common:
- Rash
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach Pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite or decreased weight
- Breathing Difficulty
- Nausea & Vomiting
Serious:
- Persistent or severe diarrhea
- Pain in the eye, blurred vision
- Sudden difficulty in breathing accompanied by cough and fever
- Severe pain in your abdomen
- Liver failure
Contraindications
TARCEVA is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Tarceva or any of the excipients.
Safety Advices for TARCEVA
Consult Your Doctor
It is unknown whether TARCEVA interacts with alcohol. However, it is best to avoid alcohol or limit your alcohol consumption while taking any medication.
Unsafe
TARCEVA is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the treatment, please consult your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe any potential risks if the benefits are found to outweigh the risks.
Unsafe
Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment with TARCEVA as it may pass through breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Unsafe
It is unknown whether TARCEVA alters the ability to drive. However, do not drive until you know how Tarceva Tablet affects you. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machines that require mental concentration until you are not alert.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have pre-existing or a history of lung problems, consult your doctor before taking TARCEVA. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, consult your doctor before taking TARCEVA. It should be used cautiously in liver disease patients. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking TARCEVA as it should be used cautiously in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Unsafe
TARCEVA is not recommended for use in children below 18 years old as the safety and efficacy are not established.
- 1. Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1735-36.
- 2. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 489-90.
- 3. Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 954-55.
- 4. Genentech, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on April 2010] [ Accessed on 14th April 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/021743s14s16lbl.pdf

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