What is Erlotinib? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Erlotinib

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take the medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take the medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after you eat.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Erlotinib

Erlotinib contraindications - Who shouldn't take Erlotinib?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to erlotinib or if you are pregnant.

Erlotinib warnings

• Cancer medicines can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Ask your doctor about ways to control these side effects.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Lung problemsBleeding or perforation in your digestive systemLiver problemsKidney problemsEye problems

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose of this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, eye or vision problems, stomach problems (such as ulcers or diverticulosis), or a history of other lung disease, heart attack, or stroke.

• This medicine may cause a rash or other skin problems. You may use alcohol-free emollient creams or sunscreen to help prevent this. Stay out of the sun when possible.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

• Tiny red dots on the skin, especially on the lower legs

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

• Unusual trouble breathing, fever, cough

• Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should continue to use birth control during treatment and for 1 month after you have stopped taking this medicine.

Erlotinib interactions & what to avoid when taking Erlotinib

• Cancer medicines can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Ask your doctor about ways to control these side effects.

• This medicine may cause a rash or other skin problems. You may use alcohol-free emollient creams or sunscreen to help prevent this. Stay out of the sun when possible.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how erlotinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Boceprevir, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, conivaptan, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, posaconazole, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, telithromycin, teriflunomide, or voriconazoleBlood thinner (including warfarin)Other cancer medicinesNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Steroid medicine (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

• Tell your doctor if you take any stomach medicine, including omeprazole, ranitidine, or an antacid. Some stomach medicines need to be taken several hours before or after you take erlotinib.

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you change how much or how often you smoke, or if you quit smoking. Your treatment might need to be changed.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.