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Tarceva® erlotinib tablets
Frequently Asked Questions

Emotional Support

Your family and friends and others in your support team can help you cope with your disease and treatment. Do not hesitate to ask them to:

  • Go with you to your doctor appointments. They can write down what the doctor tells you during your visits. They can also help you put together a list of questions beforehand to discuss with your doctor during the next appointment.
  • Help you keep track of and report any side effects you may experience to your doctor. Sometimes, they may notice little changes in your health that you may not even have noticed yourself.
  • Run errands for you. Use your energy wisely; let others help you with your day-to-day activities.
  • Keep others up-to-date on your health either by phone, group email or with family meetings.
  • Listen to you when you feel like talking about your disease.
  • Join a support group with you to listen and share experiences with others.
  • Help with insurance issues that may come up. For more information visit our Coverage and Reimbursement Support section.
  • Join you in a shared pastime. Whether you both play a mean hand of gin rummy or relish the strategy of chess, spend time enjoying each other's company.
  • Take care of themselves so they can be helpful when you need them.

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.


Genentech Biooncology (OSI) Oncology

Coverage and Reimbursement Support

Tarceva Access Solutions can help.
888-249-4918

Tarceva Co-Pay Card Program

Over 710 Enrollments as of 04/14/2010

Additional Resources


Tarceva® erlotinib tablets