Erlotinib
Description
Erlotinib is an anticancer medicine used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is also used in a combination with gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Erlotinib
- Burning or tingling sensation
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Lower back or side pain
- Rash
- Chills and fever
- Blurred vision
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Acid or sour stomach
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
Uses of Erlotinib
What is it prescribed for?
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medicine based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to erlotinib or any other inactive ingredients present along with this medicine.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medicine based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Anticoagulants
This medicine should be used with caution in patients receiving anticoagulants due to the increased risk of excessive bleeding. Close monitoring of INR, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hepatic Impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function tests is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Renal Impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Gastrointestinal Perforations
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal perforations. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of clinical condition or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
The missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it is already time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Atazanavir
Ciprofloxacin
Carbamazepine
Clarithromycin
Lansoprazole
Pantoprazole
Fluvoxamine
Disease interactions
Gastrointestinal Diseases
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases such as peptic ulcer disease and diverticular disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Eye disorder
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from eye diseases such as primary keratitis, ulcerative keratitis, conjunctivitis, etc. due to an increase in the risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms or worsening of eye symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of clinical condition or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Renal impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history of kidney diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hepatic impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Consumption of grapefruit juice is not recommended during treatment with this medicine due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take this medicine as instructed by the doctor. You are advised to take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by blocking the growth and multiplication of cancer cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
EGFR inhibitors
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 24 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 24 July 2018]. Available from:
[Internet]. Mhra.gov.uk. 2018 [cited 24 July 2018]. Available from:
Erlotinib - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 24 July 2018]. Available from:
Erlotinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 24 July 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 25 Jul 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.