Erlotinib
Brand: Tarceva
Application: Lung and pancreatic cancer
Pharmaceutical forms of erlotinib
Erlotinib Drug Information
Dosage and method of taking erlotinib
Contraindications to the use of erlotinib
Taking erlotinib during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of erlotinib on driving and working with machines
Drug interactions with erlotinib
Special warnings and precautions while taking erlotinib
Side effects of erlotinib
Overdose of erlotinib (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of erlotinib
Erlotinib Drug Information
Erlotinib is a drug used to treat some types of lung and pancreatic cancer. In cancer, some cells in the body multiply uncontrollably. Chemotherapy drugs prevent the growth of these cells by preventing them from growing. Erlotinib inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells by blocking the action of messenger molecules that deliver growth messages to the cell.
Dosage and method of taking erlotinib
- Read the package leaflet carefully before starting treatment with erlotinib. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
- The dose and amount of medicine varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised.
- This drug has different doses and the doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose of the drug according to the patient's condition.
- Try to take erlotinib at certain times of the day, preferably on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
- If you forget to take your dose on time but soon forget to take it; But if you remember when the next dose is about an hour away, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of erlotinib
- Note the expiration date of erlotinib and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
- Never give this medicine to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Check for drug interactions with erlotinib, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this drug, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Taking erlotinib during pregnancy and lactation
You should not become pregnant or your partner may become pregnant while you are taking this medicine.
The effect of erlotinib on driving and working with machines
This medicine may cause headaches and vision problems, make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Drug interactions with erlotinib
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some medications that may interact with erlotinib include "blood thinners" (warfarin), medications to reduce stomach acid (eg, ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and rapprazole).
Check the labels on all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, as these medications may contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including analgesics / fever products (such as naproxen and ibuprofen) and may increase the risk of bleeding. And increase the risk of side effects. However, if your doctor prescribes low-dose aspirin (usually 325-81 mg per day) to prevent a stroke or heart attack, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking them.
Smoking lowers blood levels of this drug. If you smoke, tell your doctor.
Special warnings and precautions while taking erlotinib
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking erlotinib:
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby or breastfeed in the future.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have a specific infection or disease.
- If you are taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have a history of an allergic reaction to another medicine.
Side effects of erlotinib
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away shortly after taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
- Diarrhea: Drink plenty of water. Consult your doctor if this persists or becomes severe.
- Feeling sick, indigestion and heartburn: Eat simple foods and avoid spicy and high-fat foods.
- Feeling tired: Do not drive or use tools in this situation.
- Vision problems, cough, respiratory problems, fever, infection: In these cases, tell your doctor immediately.
- Weight loss, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, headache, hives, mood swings, numbness of the hands and feet, hair loss: Consult your doctor if any of these are bothersome.
- Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of erlotinib.
Overdose of erlotinib (drug poisoning)
- If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), call the emergency room immediately.
Storage conditions of erlotinib
- Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.f
- Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.