What You Can Do

The patient you are caring for may feel a loss of control over his or her life because of the pancreatic cancer. For this reason, asking for help may not be easy. So, take the first step. Offer your help. Below are just a few things you can do to care for the patient. For additional suggestions on what you can do, visit the websites of the organizations listed in our Support Resources section.

Offer to go along to doctor visits

To get the most from doctor visits, prepare ahead. Start by paying attention to changes that may be happening to the patient. He or she may not even be aware of many of these changes.

Write down any changes in the patient's physical and emotional well-being. Bring this list with you to the doctor. Note such things as whether the patient has:

Difficulty sleeping
Lost weight
Changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea)
Developed a rash or other skin irritations
Shown signs of depression, such as no longer enjoying the same activities he or she did before the pancreatic cancer

Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the doctor

A list helps you remember important issues. It can also help you keep your questions to the point. (If you have many concerns you wish to discuss with the doctor, make a separate appointment so that the doctor can spend more time discussing them with you and the patient.) Remember to bring the list with you to the next doctor's appointment.

What is the best time to take Tarceva (erlotinib)?
If the patient develops a rash, what can be done to treat it?
If the patient has diarrhea, what over-the-counter medications can be used to treat it?
What other side effects may occur with Tarceva?
Where can I find information on in-home caregivers?
Who can answer questions if you are not available?

Keep track of all medications

Other medications and supplements -- including vitamins and herbal products -- may affect how well Tarceva works. For this reason, it's important to tell the doctor what other medications and supplements the patient is taking. The chart below is an example of one that can help you do just that. Make a chart and fill it in with all the medications the patient is taking. Or, you can print this page and use this example as a place to start. (In the example, Tarceva information is filled in already.) Remember to include over-the-counter vitamins and herbal products. Bring it with you to each doctor visit. Be sure to update the chart if there are any changes in the type or amount of medications the patient is taking.

Update contact information

Update contact information for key members of the cancer care team for the patient, including the:

Oncologist (including emergency contact numbers)
Nurse
Primary care doctor
Pharmacist
Nutritionist
Social worker
Substitute caregiver(s)
Spiritual counselor

Keep this information posted next to the phone or on the refrigerator so it will be handy in an emergency. Share this information with family members and friends.

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.