Taking Care of Yourself

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Self-Help Tips

Chances are you may be so busy caring for the patient that you may feel guilty thinking about your own needs. But you have to stay healthy. The following self-help tips may help to prevent caregiver burnout, as well as to protect your overall health. In this way, you can continue to provide the best care possible for your family member or friend.

Eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. These tried-and-true health boosters go a long way in helping you handle your responsibilities. Anger and frustration are less likely to build up if you feel healthy.

Go to the doctor for regular check-ups. "Prevention is the best medicine," the saying goes. So, don't skip your annual physical. If you get a cold or the flu, stay in bed. Don't try to be a "super" caregiver.

Set realistic goals. Know your physical, emotional and financial limits. Ask for help. Use family meetings to divide up the caregiving responsibilities.

Keep a journal. Write down your feelings and frustrations. Putting your emotions on paper can help you feel better.

Join a support group. Many of the organizations listed in the Support Resources section have support groups for caregivers. They can help you as you continue to care for the patient.

Educate yourself about Pancreatic Cancer. The more you know, the better you will be able to care for the patient with Pancreatic Cancer and understand treatment options.

For extra help, look to nurses. Whether you are looking for full- or part-time help, in-home nursing care may be an option to consider. The Support Resources page lists both in-home nursing and hospice care organizations that may help you.

Enjoy a good laugh every day. Humor is a great stress reliever. A hearty belly laugh is a workout for your stomach muscles, too.

Take a break. Caring for someone with cancer can take over your entire life if you let it. Take a break from the disease. Do something you enjoy. You've earned it.

Indication and Usage for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage pancreatic cancer who have not received previous chemotherapy.

Important Safety Information

Possible effects on the lungs

In clinical studies, there were infrequent reports of lung injuries similar to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)-like events in patients taking Tarceva for the treatment of pancreatic cancer or other advanced solid tumors. Reports of these ILD-like lung injuries have been serious and have included deaths in some patients.

Possible effects on the kidneys and liver

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

Possible effects on the stomach and intestines

Holes that formed in the stomach, small intestine, or large bowel (including deaths) have been reported in patients taking Tarceva.

Possible effects on the skin

Severe blistering skin reactions including cases similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (including deaths) have been reported in patients taking Tarceva.

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

Eye irritation and damage to the cornea have been reported in patients taking Tarceva. Patients should tell their doctor about eye problems, including eye pain, that get worse.

Tarceva and pregnancy and breast-feeding

Tarceva may cause harm to an unborn baby or may cause possible risk of pregnancy loss. Women should avoid becoming pregnant and avoid breastfeeding while taking Tarceva.

When to call your HCP

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

New or worsening skin rash
Serious or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, or stomach pain
New or worsening shortness of breath or cough
Fever
Eye irritation

If you smoke, you should stop smoking while taking Tarceva, as it may affect how well Tarceva works for you. If you continue to smoke you should speak to your doctor before taking Tarceva.

Let your doctor know if you are taking other prescription or over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements before you start taking Tarceva. While taking Tarceva, do not start taking any new drugs or herbal supplements before talking to your doctor. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Tarceva. Tarceva may also affect other medications you are taking.

Common side effects of Tarceva

Fatigue, rash, nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy in a large clinical study.

Always let your doctor or nurse know if you experience any side effects. Ask your doctor or nurse for the best way to handle drug-related side effects.

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

Please see the Tarceva full prescribing information for complete safety information.