• What is Erlotinib used for?
Erlotinib is used for the treatment of the symptoms of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer.
Dosage forms & Strength :-
Erlotinib 100 mg. tablet for oral use.
Erlotinib 150 mg tablet for oral use.
What is Erlotinib used for :-
Erlotinib is an anti-cancer medication. Erlotinib is a anti cancer medicine use in thr treatment of the symptoms of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) :
- Erlotinib treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors contain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations.
• Pancreas Cancer :
- Erlotinib in combination with gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Erlotinib can be used single or with other medications.
Erlotinib Dosage :-
Erlotinib is a prescription medicine.
Take Erlotinib properly as your doctor tells you to take it.
NSCLC
The suggested daily dose of Erlotinib for NSCLC is 150 mg taken on an empty stomach, that is at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. Treatment must be continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity take place.
Pancreatic Cancer
The suggested daily dose of Erlotinib for pancreatic cancer is 100 mg taken once daily in mixture with gemcitabine. Take Erlotinib on an empty stomach, that is, at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. Treatment must be continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity take place.
What are the side effects of Erlotinib?
Most side effects of Erlotinib :
- In treatment of 1st-line NSCLC :
Diarrhea,
Weakness,
Rash,
Cough,
Shortness of breath,
Loss of appetite,
- In treatment of maintenance/2nd- or 3rd-line NSCLC :
Rash,
Diarrhea,
- In treatment of pancreatic cancer :
Fatigue (feeling very tired),
Rash,
Nausea,
Loss of appetite,
Diarrhea.
These are not all the possible side effects of Erlotinib. Consult your doctor and if you have any new or worsening side effects.
Erlotinib Mechanism of Action :-
Erlotinib :
Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are extract on the lung cancer cell surfaces that modulate their growth. This medicine works by binding the chemical messenger, EGFR, so, inhibits the cancer signaling pathways mediated by EGFR. This is how it control further growth of the cancer cells.
Thus, Erlotinib treats the symptoms of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer.
Precautions & Warnings :-
• The rash may occur or worsen on exposure to sunlight while taking Erlotinib. You can use alcohol-free lotions and sunscreens or reduce your neglect of being out in the sun.
Your skin and nails may turn black. You may also have dry skin which may or may not crack. It is most often accompanied by a rash.
• Hair and nail problems have been observe in patients taking Erlotinib. These include increased hairiness and brittle or loose nails.
• Diarrhea can normally be treated with anti-diarrhea medicine.
• Call your doctor if you have :
- Critical or ongoing diarrhea, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), loss of appetite, or vomiting.
- New or worsening shortness of breath or cough.-• Eye irritation.
- New or aggravate rash, blistering, or peeling of the skin.
- Any changes in smoking habits.
- Critical skin conditions.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you undergo any of the side effects listed below.
Erlotinib can give rise to serious side effects, including :
- Problem of lung.
- Liver and kidney problems.
- Problems of stomach and intestinal.
- Blood, bleeding, and clotting problems.
- Eye disorders.
- Bleeding events when taking warfarin with Erlotinib.
- Pregnancy.
• Erlotinib is not meant to be used at the same time as particular types of chemotherapy for NSCLC.
• It is unknown if Erlotinib is safe and helpful in EGFR mutations.