Filling a Tarceva Prescription

Your oncologist may determine that you could benefit from treatment with Tarceva. If so, your doctor will write you a prescription.

Tarceva (erlotinib) must be prescribed by a U.S. physician, and your prescription must be filled in the U.S.

Pharmacy Options

Listed below are various options your insurance plan may offer. Choose a pharmacy participating with your insurance or health plan to facilitate prescription coverage.

RETAIL PHARMACY: A retail pharmacy provides up to a one-month supply of medication as prescribed by your physician. Your insurance plan can provide you with a list of pharmacies in your local area.

SPECIALTY PHARMACY: A specialty pharmacy provides reimbursement assistance and clinical support to patients receiving Tarceva. Services for patients may include an on-call pharmacist available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to take orders or address questions. They also offer express deliveries to patients or their physicians' office, as well as support programs which offer individual counseling and insurance advocacy.

MAIL ORDER PHARMACY: A mail order pharmacy may provide up to three months of medication as prescribed by your physician. Medication will be shipped directly to your address. If you choose a mail order pharmacy covered under your insurance plan, you will need to enroll in the mail order program.

ONLINE PHARMACY: An online pharmacy, accessed through the Internet, dispenses a one-month supply of medication as prescribed by your physician. Medication is shipped directly to your address.

Helpful Tips

Using a mail order pharmacy may be less expensive and allows the convenience of ordering more than a one-month supply at a time.
Consider using a mail order or online pharmacy for the convenience of home delivery and eliminate the need to make monthly trips.
If you choose a retail pharmacy, have your doctor call in your prescription before you go to avoid having to make two trips.
If considering an online pharmacy, it is important to confirm that the website you choose is a licensed pharmacy in good standing. Check with the National Association Boards of Pharmacy at http://www.nabp.net or (847) 698-6227 for this 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.

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