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Tarceva

Erlotinib

Blocks epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading in non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Active ingredient
Erlotinib
Route
Oral use
Form
Film-coated tablet
Strengths
100mg

You will receive a quality generic equivalent of Tarceva, depending on stock.

Prescription and consultation requirements for Tarceva vary by destination and are determined by the fulfilment partner.

Tarceva details

Therapeutic class
Protein kinase inhibitors
Pharmacological class
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Contraindications
hypersensitivity to erlotinib or any excipients
Minor side effects
rash; diarrhoea; decreased appetite; fatigue
Moderate side effects
nausea; vomiting; stomatitis; dry skin; pruritus; conjunctivitis
Dosage forms
Film-coated tablet
Administration route
Oral use
Supply category
Prescription-only medicine (POM)
Originator
Cheplapharm Registration GmbH
Storage instructions
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
Drug interactions
CYP3A4 inhibitors; CYP3A4 inducers; warfarin; proton pump inhibitors; statins
Age restrictions
Safety and efficacy in children and adolescents have not been established.
Precautions and warnings

should be prescribed by a physician experienced in the use of anticancer medicines; EGFR mutation testing should be performed before initiation in NSCLC; patients should stop smoking as smoking decreases erlotinib plasma concentrations; interstitial lung disease has been reported; discontinue if new or progressive pulmonary symptoms develop; gastrointestinal perforation risk; discontinue if it occurs; severe bullous, blistering or exfoliative skin conditions have been reported; hepatic function should be monitored periodically; dose reduction or interruption may be required for severe adverse reactions

Serious side effects

interstitial lung disease, requires immediate medical attention; gastrointestinal perforation, requires immediate medical attention; severe hepatic failure, requires immediate medical attention; corneal perforation, requires immediate medical attention; stevens-Johnson syndrome, requires immediate medical attention

Patient summary

Blocks epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading in non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Mechanism of action

Tarceva contains erlotinib, a medicine that targets a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) found on the surface of some cancer cells. By blocking EGFR, Tarceva prevents cancer cells from receiving the signals they need to grow and spread. It is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer and, in combination with another medicine called gemcitabine, to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment.

What you will receive

Tarceva is the originator brand name, made by Cheplapharm Registration GmbH. We use it to identify the medicine and are not affiliated with Cheplapharm Registration GmbH.

  • The fulfilment partner confirms whether the exact brand or an equivalent containing Erlotinib is offered.
  • The offered brand, manufacturer and dispatch location depend on the product, destination and partner warehouse.
  • Check the final product details at checkout before confirming an order.

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