The basics
Erlotinib hydrochloride (brand name- Tarceva) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body in patients who have already been treated with at least one other chemotherapy medication. It is also used in combination with another medication (gemcitabine [Gemzar]) to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body and cannot be treated with surgery.
Erlotinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about erlotinib hydrochloride.
How should I take erlotinib hydrochloride (Tarceva)?
Erlotinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or snack. Take erlotinib at around the same time every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take erlotinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.
Do not stop taking erlotinib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of erlotinib hydrochloride (Tarceva)?
Common side effects
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- gas
- constipation
- mouth sores
- cough
- weight loss
- extreme tiredness
- headache
- bone or muscle pain
- rash (may look like acne and may affect the skin on the face, upper chest, or back)
- blistering, peeling, dry, or cracked skin
- numbness, burning, or tingling of the hands or feet
- swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- darkening of skin
- hair loss
- changes in the appearance of the hair and nails
- redness, warmth, pain, tenderness, or swelling in one leg
- pale or yellow skin
- dry mouth
Serious side effects
- depression
- anxiety
- itching, tenderness, or burning of the skin
- shortness of breath
- heartburn
- fever or chills
- growth of eyelashes on the inside of the eyelid
- severe stomach pain
- dry, red, painful, teary, or irritated eyes
- blurred vision
- eye sensitivity to light
- chest pain or pressure
- pain in the arms, neck, or upper back
- rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- slow or difficult speech
- dizziness or faintness
- weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- black and tarry or bloody stools
- vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
- sunken eyes
- decreased urination
- dark urine
Erlotinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking erlotinib
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or ever had any other disease, symptom, or treatment
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that you can use.
While you are on erlotinib
- If you become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Erlotinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed during your treatment with erlotinib and for up to 2 weeks after your final dose.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking erlotinib.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear a hat, other protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Take the next dose at your regular time the next day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
How should I safely store and dispose of Erlotinib Hydrochloride (Tarceva)?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
To prevent diarrhea that may be caused by erlotinib, drink small sips of a liquid such as a sugar-free sports drink often throughout the day, eat mild foods such as crackers and toast, and avoid spicy foods.
Brand names
- Tarceva®
Last Revised – 06/13/2023, FDA updated-03/15/2017, SG
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