When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to have big questions and fears about the medications that are given to treat it. Today we're going to talk about Erlotinib, a special drug used to treat such cancers. You may know it by the brand name Tarceva. Let's take a quick look at what this drug is and what you need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Erlotinib?
Erlotinib is a type of medicine called 'targeted therapy'. It's very special. Unlike regular medicine, it targets specific proteins found only in cancer cells, stopping them from growing and spreading. It's like knowing who the enemy is and attacking them only.
This medication is mainly used to treat conditions called non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer . However, sometimes your doctor may prescribe it for other types of cancer as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before prescribing this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health history. Because that information will determine whether this medication is suitable for you and what the dosage should be. Be sure to tell your doctor about the following conditions in particular.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the liver, if you have liver disease, the dosage may need to be adjusted or you may need to be tested more frequently. |
| Kidney disease | If kidney function is impaired, the effect of the medicine may change. |
| Eye diseases or vision problems | Erlotinib can potentially affect the eyes, so it is important to be aware of the potential concerns. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems (e.g. ulcers) | Because this medication can sometimes cause serious intestinal problems, it is essential to inform about previous history. |
| Trying to get pregnant or being pregnant | This medication can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, so it is essential to talk to your doctor about this. |
| Breastfeeding | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. So if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | This is important to know if you are allergic to Erlotinib or any of its ingredients. |
The correct way to use the medicine
To get the most out of a medication like this, it is very important to take it correctly.
- Drink with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- It is essential to take it on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That is, one (1) hour before a meal, or two (2) hours after a meal. Never take it with food.
- Do not drink grapefruit juice: Avoid drinking grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. It can affect the way the medication works.
- Take your medicine at the right time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Don't take more than your doctor tells you to, and don't stop taking it unless your doctor tells you not to.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with Erlotinib
Some other medications you are taking can affect the way Erlotinib works. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Be especially careful with the following medications.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medicines for stomach inflammation/gastritis | Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Famotidine, Cimetidine |
| Medicines for fungal infections | Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Voriconazole |
| Some antibiotics | Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin |
| Medicines for epilepsy/ seizures | Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital |
| Medicines for Tuberculosis | Rifampin, Rifabutin |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | Warfarin |
| Medicines for HIV/AIDS | Antiviral drugs |
| Herbal products | St. John's Wort |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Be aware of possible serious skin reactions.
Some people may develop serious skin reactions while using this medicine. These may occur even weeks after starting the medicine. If you develop a rash with symptoms such as a fever or cold , tell your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Also, don't ignore a red rash with swollen lymph nodes on your face, lips, neck, or armpits.
If you smoke, stop now.
This is very important. Smoking significantly reduces the effectiveness of Erlotinib. This means that if you smoke, you will not get the full benefit of the medicine. If you have stopped smoking while taking the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping the medicine. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Also, do not breastfeed while taking this medicine and for two weeks after stopping the medicine. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
Other points
- Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
- See the doctor at the scheduled time and get the necessary blood tests done.
- If you experience any changes in your vision (e.g., blurriness, pain), report it immediately.
- Tell your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, as dehydration can be dangerous while taking this medicine.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Erlotinib can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these and tell your doctor immediately if you notice anything serious.
| Side effect | Description / What should you do? |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Bloody or black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red spots on the skin, unusual bleeding from the nose/gums. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark yellow/brown urine, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, pale stools, extreme fatigue, nausea. |
| Symptoms of Stroke | Sudden numbness/numbness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking/understanding, severe headache, difficulty walking, fainting. |
| Difficulty breathing, cough | Sudden or increasing shortness of breath or cough. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | This is common. If it is severe or persists, tell your doctor . |
| Dry skin, acne-like blemishes, itching | These can occur frequently. Ask your doctor about suitable ointments. |
| Loss of appetite, weight loss | Talk to your doctor about your diet. |
| Mouth sores, nausea, vomiting | Consult your doctor on how to manage these. |
How to store medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius). Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Erlotinib tablets on an empty stomach , one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Smoking reduces the effectiveness of the medicine, so stop it completely.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as severe skin lesions, difficulty breathing, or changes in vision.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking the pill and for one month after stopping.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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