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Managing Tarceva Side Effects

Fatigue, rash, nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with the Tarceva (erlotinib) plus gemcitabine therapy in a large clinical study. Severe rash and diarrhea were each reported in 5% of patients receiving Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy in this same large clinical study.

The rash associated with the Tarceva (erlotinib) plus gemcitabine therapy may appear on your body or face, typically within 10 days of starting this treatment. However, the rash may occur anytime during treatment with Tarceva plus gemcitabine. The rash associated with Tarceva is not an allergic reaction and may look like acne or dry skin. Please contact your doctor if you develop a rash.

Typically, diarrhea may develop within 15 days of starting the Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy.

What you can do to ease the common side effects of Tarceva plus gemcitabine

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

You may be able to take steps to ease some of the side effects you may experience during treatment. A list of self-help tips are included in the chart below. Ask your doctor or nurse for more ways to help ease these or any other possible side effects.

Some side effects of the disease itself, such as nausea and vomiting, may make it difficult for you to take your Tarceva. If that happens, let your doctor or nurse know.

Always take Tarceva as prescribed by your doctor

Taking Tarceva with food may increase your chance of developing side effects. For this reason, it's important to take Tarceva at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

Side effect Self-help tips

Fatigue
  • Take short rests throughout the day.
  • Know your limits. Ask family and friends for help with chores.

Rash
  • Use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash the affected area.
  • Moisturize the area with a mild alcohol-free cream.
  • Limit direct sun exposure. Use a sunscreen appropriate for sensitive skin (SPF 15 or higher), preferably containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
  • Avoid over-the-counter acne-related treatments, including products with benzoyl peroxide.
  • Remove any dermatologist-approved makeup with a gentle liquid cleanser.

Loss of appetite
  • Eat small snacks when you are able.
  • Take a walk before eating to build up an appetite.

Nausea and vomiting
  • Try eating and drinking slowly.
  • Avoid eating greasy foods.

Diarrhea
  • Take small sips of liquids (such as sports drinks without sugar) often throughout the day.
  • Eat mild foods, such as toast and crackers.
  • Limit spicy foods.

Checking your progress with regular follow-up visits

  • Your doctor will check to see how well your treatment is working during regular follow-up visits.
  • As part of a regular physical exam, you may undergo a Computed Tomography (CT) scan or other imaging tests.
  • Blood tests may also be used to measure the effectiveness of your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information


Genentech Biooncology (OSI) Oncology

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Tarceva®, its logo mark and are trademarks of OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.



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