Possible Benefits of Tarceva
Video:
Looking Ahead
Friends and family can go with you to doctor appointments, help you keep track of all your medications, and any side effects. They can also keep others informed of your progress, run errands and generally keep your spirits up.
Tarceva may help with your NSCLC in several ways
May help you live longer
Tarceva (erlotinib) has been shown to help some patients live longer. In a large clinical study, 31.2% of patients taking Tarceva were living with their NSCLC one year after they started Tarceva, compared with 21.5% of patients not taking Tarceva (placebo). That's a 45% increase in one-year survival for patients taking Tarceva. Additionally, large clinical studies have also proven that Tarceva can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells in some patients. How well Tarceva works for you may differ from these results.
May slow tumor growth
Tarceva may slow or stop the growth of cancer and even shrink the tumors in some patients.
Offers convenience
Tarceva is a pill you take by mouth once a day as prescribed by your doctor.
Important Information to Know
In clinical studies, there were infrequent reports of serious lung injuries similar to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)-like events. Reports of ILD-like events have been serious and have included deaths in patients receiving Tarceva.
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.
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.
You should 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, or vomiting; 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.
Rash and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with Tarceva in a large clinical study.
Tarceva is not right for everyone. Ask your doctor if once-daily Tarceva is right for you.
are trademarks of OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
