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Tarceva

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Prescription Prescription Required FormationFormulation: Tablet

Erlotinib

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Tarceva contains the active ingredient erlotinib. It is a prescription targeted cancer medication used to treat certain types of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tarceva may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when the cancer has specific changes, or mutations, in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.

Before Tarceva is prescribed for NSCLC, testing is usually performed to confirm that the tumor has an EGFR mutation that is likely to respond to treatment.

Tarceva may be used in certain patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be treated successfully with surgery.

EGFR Mutation Testing

Not every person with NSCLC will benefit from Tarceva.

The medication works best when the cancer cells contain specific activating EGFR mutations.

Testing a tumor sample or, in some cases, a blood sample can help determine whether Tarceva is an appropriate treatment option.

Pancreatic Cancer

Tarceva may also be used together with gemcitabine to treat certain cases of:

  • Locally advanced pancreatic cancer
  • Unresectable pancreatic cancer
  • Metastatic pancreatic cancer

Locally advanced cancer has spread within the nearby area, while metastatic cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Tarceva is used as part of a combination treatment rather than by itself for this indication.

How Tarceva Works

Tarceva belongs to a class of cancer medications called EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

EGFR is a protein found on the surface of many cells. It sends signals that help cells grow and divide.

In some cancer cells, EGFR signaling becomes overactive because of genetic changes.

Tarceva blocks the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR, which interferes with these growth signals.

How Blocking EGFR Helps

By blocking EGFR signaling, Tarceva can help:

  • Slow the growth of cancer cells
  • Reduce cancer-cell division
  • Limit the spread of certain tumors
  • Help control cancer symptoms in some patients

Tarceva is a targeted therapy, which means it works on specific biological pathways involved in cancer growth rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells in the same way as traditional chemotherapy.

Important Limitation

Tarceva does not work for every type of lung or pancreatic cancer.

For NSCLC, treatment decisions depend heavily on the tumor’s EGFR mutation status.

Your oncology team will consider your cancer type, stage, previous treatments, test results, overall health, and other medications before deciding whether Tarceva is appropriate.

Regular Monitoring

During treatment, your healthcare team may monitor:

  • Tumor response
  • Liver function
  • Lung symptoms
  • Skin reactions
  • Diarrhea
  • Other treatment-related side effects

Regular follow-up helps determine whether Tarceva is working and whether the dose or treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

Tarceva is taken by mouth once daily on an empty stomach.

Take it at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Swallow the tablet with water.

Taking Tarceva with food can increase the amount of erlotinib absorbed into your body and may raise the risk of side effects.

Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

For metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with an appropriate EGFR mutation:

Recommended dose: 150 mg once daily.

Treatment is generally continued until the cancer progresses or side effects become unacceptable.

Dose for Pancreatic Cancer

For locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer:

Recommended dose: 100 mg once daily.

Tarceva is used together with gemcitabine for this indication.

Treatment is generally continued until the cancer progresses or side effects become unacceptable.

Dose Adjustments

Your healthcare provider may lower your Tarceva dose if you develop significant side effects or certain drug interactions.

When dose reductions are needed, they are generally made in 50 mg steps.

Do not change your dose on your own.

Acid-Reducing Medications

Some medicines that reduce stomach acid can decrease how much Tarceva your body absorbs and may make it less effective.

These include:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
  • H2-receptor blockers
  • Antacids

Proton pump inhibitors should generally be avoided when possible during Tarceva treatment.

If an H2 blocker or antacid is necessary, your healthcare provider or pharmacist may recommend separating it from Tarceva by a specific amount of time.

Do not change or stop an acid-reducing medication without first speaking with your healthcare provider.

Take Tarceva Regularly

Take Tarceva at about the same time every day.

Taking it consistently helps maintain a steady amount of medication in your body.

Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or continue treatment differently from the schedule prescribed by your oncology team.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose of Tarceva, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for instructions.

Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra Tarceva to make up for a missed dose unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider About Other Medications

Before and during Tarceva treatment, tell your healthcare provider about all:

  • Prescription medications
  • Over-the-counter medications
  • Vitamins
  • Supplements
  • Herbal products

Some medications can increase or decrease erlotinib levels and may require a dose adjustment.

Follow Your Oncology Team’s Instructions

Take Tarceva exactly as prescribed.

Contact your healthcare team if your side effects become difficult to manage, your symptoms change, or you have questions about how to take the medication.

Your dose may need to be temporarily interrupted or reduced depending on how you tolerate treatment.

Common Side Effects of Tarceva (Erlotinib):

  • Acne
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry skin
  • Eye dryness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mouth sores
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Stomach upset
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble breathing
  • Unusual eyelash growth
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss

Serious Side Effects of Tarceva (Erlotinib):

  • Black and tarry or bloody stools
  • Blistering, peeling, dry, or cracked skin
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Cough
  • Dark urine
  • Decreased urination
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry, red, painful, teary, or irritated eyes
  • Eye sensitivity to light
  • Fever or chills
  • Growth of eyelashes on the inside of the eyelid
  • Itching, tenderness, or burning of the skin
  • Pain in the arms, neck, or upper back
  • Pale or yellow skin
  • Rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
  • Rash (may look like acne and may affect the skin on the face, upper chest, or back)
  • Redness, warmth, pain, tenderness, or swelling in one leg
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slow or difficult speech
  • Sunken eyes
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
  • Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg

Tarceva (Erlotinib) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Tarceva: Tablet

  • 100 mg

Erlotinib: Tablet

  • 25 mg
  • 100 mg
  • 150 mg

Liver Problems

Tarceva can cause liver injury, including rare cases of liver failure.

The risk may be greater if you already have liver disease or abnormal liver test results.

Tarceva should be used with extra caution if your total bilirubin level is more than 3 times the upper limit of normal.

Your healthcare provider may check liver function tests during treatment and may temporarily stop or permanently discontinue Tarceva if liver problems become severe.

Serious Lung Problems

Tarceva can rarely cause interstitial lung disease (ILD) or other serious inflammation of the lungs.

This can be life-threatening.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop:

  • New or worsening shortness of breath
  • Persistent cough
  • Fever
  • Difficulty breathing

Tarceva may need to be stopped while your healthcare team checks for a lung problem. If ILD is confirmed, Tarceva should be discontinued.

Severe Skin Reactions

Skin rash is common with Tarceva, but serious skin reactions can rarely occur.

These may include severe blistering or peeling skin disorders.

Seek medical attention promptly if you develop:

  • Severe or widespread rash
  • Blisters
  • Peeling skin
  • Painful skin
  • Sores in the mouth or around the eyes

Tarceva may need to be stopped if a severe skin reaction develops.

Drug Interactions

Tarceva can interact with many medications.

Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase erlotinib levels and raise the risk of side effects.

Examples may include certain:

  • Antifungal medications
  • Antibiotics
  • HIV medications
  • Other drugs that affect CYP3A4

CYP3A4 inducers can have the opposite effect and may lower erlotinib levels, making Tarceva less effective.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.

Acid-Reducing Medications

Medicines that reduce stomach acid can decrease how much Tarceva your body absorbs.

These include:

  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • H2-receptor blockers
  • Antacids

Cimetidine and similar acid-reducing medications may lower erlotinib absorption.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist may recommend avoiding certain acid-reducing medicines or separating their doses from Tarceva.

Warfarin and Bleeding Risk

Tarceva can increase the risk of bleeding in people who take warfarin or other coumarin-type blood thinners.

If you take one of these medications, your healthcare provider may monitor your INR more frequently.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop unusual bruising, bleeding that does not stop, black stools, or blood in your urine.

Eye Problems

Tarceva can cause eye problems, including keratitis, corneal ulceration, and rarely corneal perforation.

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you develop:

  • Eye pain
  • Red or irritated eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Other sudden vision changes

Severe eye problems may require Tarceva to be temporarily stopped or discontinued.

Kidney Problems and Dehydration

Kidney failure and reduced kidney function have been reported with Tarceva, especially in people who become dehydrated from severe diarrhea or vomiting.

Drink enough fluids unless your healthcare provider has told you to limit your fluid intake.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop severe diarrhea, repeated vomiting, very little urination, or signs of dehydration.

Regular Monitoring

During treatment, your healthcare team may monitor:

  • Liver function
  • Kidney function
  • Electrolyte levels
  • Lung symptoms
  • Skin reactions
  • Eye symptoms
  • INR if you take warfarin

Regular monitoring helps identify serious side effects early and determines whether the Tarceva dose needs to be interrupted, reduced, or stopped.

How long should I take Tarceva?

The length of Tarceva treatment depends on how well the medication is controlling your cancer and how well you tolerate it. Your oncology team will monitor your response to treatment and any side effects you experience. Tarceva is often continued until the cancer progresses or side effects become too difficult to manage. Do not stop taking Tarceva unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Can Tarceva be taken with other medications?

Tarceva can interact with a number of medications and supplements. Some medicines can increase or decrease the amount of erlotinib in your body, while others may reduce how well Tarceva is absorbed. Before starting Tarceva, tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Do not start, stop, or change another medication without first checking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Does Tarceva have any special storage requirements?

Store Tarceva at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the tablets away from excess heat and moisture, and do not store them in the bathroom. Keep Tarceva in its original container and out of the reach of children and pets. Ask your pharmacist how to safely dispose of tablets that are expired or no longer needed.

REVIEWS

Additional Information Book
Generic name:

Erlotinib

Formulation:

Tablet

Strength(s):

25mg, 100mg, 150mg

Quantities Available:

30, 90

Why customers love Online Pharmacies Canada

Our online Canadian Pharmacy is known for high standards of quality, safety, and efficiency when it comes to medications.

Our pharmacy offers lower prices on prescription drugs compared to traditional pharmacies.

How to Order

How much Tarceva can I order at once from a Canadian pharmacy?

When ordering Tarceva (erlotinib) from a Canadian pharmacy, you can typically purchase up to a 90-day supply at one time, which is common for prescription medications to ensure adequate management of chronic conditions without frequent refills.

Here’s what you need to know:

Dosage and Quantity: Tarceva is commonly prescribed in dosages of 100 mg, taken once daily. For a 90-day supply, this means you would order 90 tablets (90 days x 1 tablet per day).

Do you sell erlotinib?

Yes, we sell erlotinib on our website. You can enjoy low prices when you order through us. To purchase erlotinib, you will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. We require this prescription to dispense the medication safely and appropriately. You have the option to submit your prescription by mailing it to us, faxing it, or uploading it through your online account.

Do you offer shipping of Tarceva (erlotinib) to the United States?

Yes, we ship Tarceva (erlotinib) to both the United States and Puerto Rico.

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Online Pharmacies Canada has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Tarceva (Erlotinib). Talk to your doctor or other qualified medical practitioners for medical attention or advice, or if you have any concerns about Tarceva (Erlotinib).