Erlotinib: how to take it safely
Tarceva
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats some types of lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, on an empty stomach.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time.
Take it with
On an empty stomach: 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
What to avoid
- Smoking, which lowers drug levels.
- Grapefruit juice and St John's wort.
- Acid-reducing medicines such as omeprazole unless your doctor agrees.
- Pregnancy.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Rash, acne-like skin, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, dry skin.
Get help if
New or worsening breathlessness or cough, severe diarrhoea, severe rash, or eye pain: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.