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.