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Tarceva® erlotinib tablets
How to Take

Treatment with Tarceva

The chemotherapy drug gemcitabine is the most common treatment used for pancreatic cancer. A large clinical study proved that taking Tarceva (erlotinib) while receiving gemcitabine is a promising option for treating advanced pancreatic cancer.

Trusted cancer therapies come together

Tarceva and gemcitabine are each effective alone in treating other forms of cancer. Based on results from a large clinical study, the combination of Tarceva plus gemcitabine worked to treat pancreatic cancer. As such, Tarceva plus gemcitabine represents a step forward in treating this disease.

Who may use Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy

Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is prescribed for patients who have not received previous chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, pancreatic cancer that cannot be surgically removed or pancreatic cancer that has spread to distant body organs.

What is gemcitabine?

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy that interferes with a part of the cell's life cycle that plays a key role in cell division. Cell division is needed for tumors to grow and spread.

How Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy is administered

Tarceva is a pill you take once a day -- every day -- to help treat pancreatic cancer. It is important to take Tarceva one hour before or two hours after eating. The recommended dose is 100 mg a day for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain how Tarceva fits into the gemcitabine treatment schedule.

Gemcitabine is given to you as an infusion through a needle inserted into your vein. Chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine, is given at a set time within a certain period. Ask your doctor or nurse to give you more information about Tarceva plus gemcitabine combination therapy.

Please see full Prescribing Information

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.


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Tarceva® erlotinib tablets