Tarceva® erlotinib tablets

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Tarceva is a once-a-day pill approved for two types of cancer. Tarceva is a targeted* cancer treatment for second-line advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and for combination therapy for first-line advanced pancreatic cancer. Learn more about Tarceva for... Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Pancreatic Cancer View Indication and Safety Information

Tarceva for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Tarceva (150 mg) is a pill you take once a day — every day — to help treat non-small cell lung cancer. Do not take Tarceva with food. It is important to take Tarceva on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

How to Take Tarceva for Lung Cancer

Tarceva for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Tarceva (100 mg) is a pill you take once a day — every day — to help treat pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine. Do not take Tarceva with food. It is important to take Tarceva on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

How to Take Tarceva for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer


*Tarceva is a targeted cancer treatment. Tarceva is designed to block tumor cell growth by targeting the protein in your body called the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1 (HER1/ EGFR). The way Tarceva works to treat cancer is not fully known.

NEW! Tarceva is now indicated as maintenance treatment for non-small cell lung cancer. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

Indications and Usage for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has not spread or grown after initial treatment with certain types of chemotherapy (maintenance treatment).

Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has spread or grown after receiving at least 1 chemotherapy regimen (second/third-line treatment).

Tarceva is not meant to be used at the same time as certain types of chemotherapy for NSCLC.

Indication and Usage for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer whose cancer has spread, grown, or cannot be surgically removed, and who have not received previous chemotherapy.

Important Safety Information

There have been reports of serious adverse events involving the lungs in a small number of patients taking Tarceva (including deaths). The medical name for these events is interstitial (in-tur-STISH-ul) lung disease-like events (or ILD-like events).

Possible effects on the kidneys and liver

Liver and/or kidney problems (including deaths) have been reported in some patients taking Tarceva. Let your healthcare provider (HCP) know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.

Possible effects on the stomach and intestines

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed a hole in the lining of their stomach or intestines.

Possible effects on the skin

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed serious skin conditions. Some patients have died from these conditions.

Possible effects on the veins and heart

Patients taking Tarceva plus gemcitabine were more likely to experience bleeding and clotting problems such as heart attack or stroke.

Possible effects on the eye

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed eye irritation and damage to the cornea.

Tarceva and pregnancy and breast-feeding

Women should not become pregnant while on treatment with Tarceva. DO NOT breast-feed while receiving treatment with Tarceva.

When to call your HCP

Call your HCP right away if you have these signs or symptoms:

Before you start taking Tarceva

Some patients taking Tarceva have experienced difficulty with blood clotting, and bleeding events, including gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin®, warfarin or other coumarin-derivatives) should be monitored regularly.

Taking other medicines and herbal supplements with Tarceva

It is important that you tell your HCP about all of the medicines and herbal supplements you are taking. DO NOT start taking any new medicines or herbal supplements before talking with your HCP. Tarceva may also affect other medications you are taking. DO NOT eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on treatment with Tarceva, except under the care of your HCP.

Smoking

Smoking may affect how well Tarceva works for you. If you smoke, you should stop smoking before starting treatment with Tarceva. If you continue to smoke, you should talk to your HCP before taking Tarceva.

Common side effects of Tarceva

The most common side effects in patients who took Tarceva for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were mild to moderate rash and diarrhea.

The most common side effects in patients who took Tarceva plus gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer were fatigue [feeling tired], rash, nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea.

Always let your HCP know if you have any side effects, and ask about the best way to handle them.

Tarceva is not right for everyone. Ask your HCP if once-daily Tarceva is right for you.



Genentech Biooncology (OSI) Oncology