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Tarceva® erlotinib tablets
Tarceva Basics

Communication Tips

Communicate regularly with others

It is important for the patient to remain connected and supported by others, but not overwhelmed. You can play a key role in keeping this balance. Together, you and the patient can decide the best way to communicate with others. If he or she does not feel up to the task, offer to coordinate the communication efforts. Ask the patient who should be kept informed of his or her treatment or provided with other updates. Use this information to create a contact list. Keeping people informed can be tiring for the patient. Point-people can be chosen to keep others informed at regular intervals by email, phone chain or update letters.

Discuss how much the patient wants to be involved in this process of keeping others informed and what you can do to keep calls and visits manageable. For example, if the patient likes talking with others by phone, suggest setting up a specific time for people to call.

Included in this section are a few topics you and the patient may want to discuss in these communications with family members and friends. The two of you may have other concerns that are not listed here.

The latest medical updates from the doctor. Use the latest information to help plan for the future needs of the patient.

What others can do to help in the day-to-day caregiving. Other family members and friends may want to help. Let them know how. You may not have the time or ability to carry out all the patient's needs. Let others bring over meals or pick up food or medication. Allow them to drive the patient to appointments when you are not able. Or, you might just want someone to stop by to visit. Let others know the best time to visit.

The patient's wants and needs. Your family member or friend may be having difficulty telling you how he or she feels or knowing what he or she needs. But, the patient should still be involved in making decisions about his or her own care. Needs may be as simple as taking a daily walk or as important as outlining future treatments for a living will. Be open to discussing whatever the patient is ready for. Open discussion will help you evaluate what is working and what needs to be revised as the patient's health changes.


Indications and Usage for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has not spread or grown after initial treatment with certain types of chemotherapy (maintenance treatment).

Tarceva is prescribed for patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose cancer has spread or grown after receiving at least 1 chemotherapy regimen (second/third-line treatment).

Tarceva is not meant to be used at the same time as certain types of chemotherapy for NSCLC.

Important Safety Information

Possible effects on the lungs

There have been reports of serious adverse events involving the lungs in a small number of patients taking Tarceva. These events have included death in some patients. The medical name for these types of events is interstitial (in-tur STISH-ul) lung disease-like events (or ILD-like events).

Possible effects on the kidneys and liver

Liver and/or kidney problems (including deaths) have been reported in some patients taking Tarceva. Let your healthcare provider (HCP) know if you have a history of liver or kidney disease.

Possible effects on the stomach and intestines

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed a hole in the lining of their stomach or intestines (including deaths).

Possible effects on the skin

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed serious skin conditions. Some patients have died from these conditions.

Possible effects on the eye

Some patients taking Tarceva have developed eye irritation and damage to the cornea. Patients should tell their HCP about eye problems that get worse, including eye pain.

Tarceva and pregnancy and breast-feeding

Women should not become pregnant while on treatment with Tarceva. DO NOT breast-feed while receiving treatment with Tarceva.

When to call your HCP

Call your HCP 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

Before you start taking Tarceva

Some patients taking Tarceva have experienced difficulty with blood clotting, and bleeding events, including gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin®, warfarin or other coumarin-derivatives) should be monitored regularly.

Taking other medicines and herbal supplements with Tarceva

It is important that you tell your HCP about all of the medicines and herbal supplements you are taking. DO NOT start taking any new medicines or herbal supplements before talking with your HCP. Tarceva may also affect other medications you are taking.

DO NOT eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while on treatment with Tarceva, except under the care of your HCP.

Smoking

Smoking may affect how well Tarceva works for you. If you smoke, you should stop smoking before starting treatment with Tarceva. Talk with your HCP about how to quit smoking. If you continue to smoke, you should talk to your HCP before taking Tarceva.

Common side effects of Tarceva

The most common side effects in patients who took Tarceva were mild to moderate rash and diarrhea. You may also have other changes in your skin.

Hair and nail changes have been seen with Tarceva.

Always let your HCP know if you have any side effects, and ask about the best way to handle them.

Tarceva is not right for everyone. Ask your HCP 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