Erlotinib

• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

When should one not use Erlotinib

• If you are allergic to erlotinib or any of the ingredients of this medicine.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Rash
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite or decreased weight
• Breathing difficulty
• Nausea, vomiting

Other General Warnings

• You have a history of eye problems, or use contact lenses, swelling or ulcer in the front part of the eye.
• You are already taking any other medicines for underlying conditions.
• You experience sudden breathing difficulty along with cough and fever, severe stomach ache, skin peeling or blistering etc. The doctor might discontinue the treatment with Erlotinib.
• You experience diarrhoea. the doctor might prescribe you some anti-diarrhoeal medicines.
• You develop worsening eye conditions, increased eye-watering, blurred vision, redness or pain in the eye etc. You may need urgent treatment.
• You are already taking cholesterol-lowering medicines and experience muscle pain or cramps. The doctor might stop the treatment immediately.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can interfere with the action of Erlotinib if taken at the same time. Always inform your doctor about all the medicine you are taking, which includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatments if you are taking it for any disorder.
• In particular, if you are taking antifungal medicine like ketoconazole, antibiotic medicine like clarithromycin, anti-tuberculosis medicine like rifampicin, anti-epileptic medicines, medicines for brain-related disorders etc.
• If you are taking anticoagulant medicines (like warfarin) along with Erlotinib, it might increase the risk of bleeding.
• Concomitant use of Erlotinib and cholesterol-lowering medicine (statins) can increase the risk of muscle problems due to statins and may also lead to kidney damage.
• If you have any kind of immunization or vaccination scheduled.

Interactions with food items

Overdose

Missed a Dose

• It would be best if you don't miss a dose of anti-cancer medicine as it may lead to treatment failure.
• If you have missed taking any dose of Erlotinib, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it's already the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Never take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.