Tarceva is a medication prescribed to treat advanced lung cancer or has already spread to other organs of the body. In addition, when used in combination with gemcitabine is also indicated for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, in advanced, non-operable or that has already spread to other organs of the body.
This remedy has as its composition Erlotinib, an anticancer compound responsible for inhibiting the action of a specific enzyme, Tyrosinokinase, present in normal and cancerous cells. In this way, Tarceva blocks cell multiplication, thereby decreasing tumor size.
How to use
Treatment of lung cancer
- It is recommended to take 1 150 mg tablet once daily, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Treatment of pancreatic cancer
- It is recommended to take 1 tablet of 100 mg once daily, 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating, in combination with gemcitabine.
Tarceva tablets should be swallowed whole, together with a glass of water, without splitting or chewing.
Side effects
Side effects of Erlotinib may include diarrhea, anorexia, poor digestion, nausea, weight loss, headache, hair loss, cough, dry skin, fever, hives on the skin, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, vomiting, gas, extreme tiredness, depression and inflammation in the stomach.
Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated for patients with allergy to Erlotinib or any of the ingredients of the formula.
In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney or liver problems or illness, gastrointestinal perforation or peptic ulcer, you should talk to your doctor before starting treatment.
