Tarceva Product Description
Tarceva is an anti-tumor medicine that is used to treat locally progressed or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer if at least one prior chemotherapy regimen has failed. It may also be used to treat other disorders as determined by your doctor.
Tarceva Mechanism of Action:
- Erlotinib is a fibroblast growth factor receptor type 1/epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1/EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. While the precise mechanism of action is unclear, the HER1 and EGFR receptors are known to participate in intercellular signaling in cell division and proliferation systems.
- Tarceva is expected to reduce tumor cells’ ability to divide and metastasize by suppressing the action of these receptors, which are highly active and frequently over-expressed in rapidly dividing tumor cells. It may also aid to trigger pathways of apoptotic cell death.
Tarceva Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the strong lung cancer medicine Tarceva is dependent on stomach ph level. However, many patients must additionally take a proton pump inhibitor heartburn medication to elevate stomach pH to more alkaline levels.
Direction
- Take this medication precisely as your doctor has instructed. Read all instruction sheets and follow all guidelines on your prescription label. Your dose may be adjusted by your doctor from time to time.
- It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals.
- You may require periodic medical tests to ensure that this medication is not creating any negative side effects. Cancer treatments may be postponed as a result of the findings.
Tarceva Side Effects
This medicine may cause the following side effects:
- Diarrhea
- Rashes on the skin
- Appetite loss
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sores in the mouth
There may be other adverse reactions not listed here. Your doctor can provide you with advice on side effects.
Caution
- Tell your doctor if you have lung problems (other than lung cancer), kidney or liver disease, are dehydrated, or smoke before taking this medication
- Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds. Erlotinib may cause skin rashes, dryness, and other irritations. Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen when going outside (SPF 30 or higher). Use skincare products that will not irritate or dry out your skin.
- If you develop new or worsening lung issues (dry cough with fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain) stop taking this medication and consult your doctor right away.
Frequently asked Questions
Is Tarceva for Chemotherapy?
Tarceva is a non-chemotherapy drug administered orally once a day, for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC.
What is Tarceva for lung cancer survival rate?
This medication increased the survival rate by 42% in individuals with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Treatment using this drug substantially delayed cancer progression.
How do you treat this Tarceva rash?
Rash due to this medication should be treated with emollients, in addition to a strong class topical steroid for grade 2 severity or higher. Once symptoms improve, patients should be switched to a medium-class topical steroid.
