Managing Tarceva Side Effects
Rash and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with Tarceva (erlotinib). They were generally mild to moderate. In a large clinical study, 66% of the patients receiving Tarceva experienced mild-to-moderate rash, while 48% of patients had mild-to-moderate diarrhea. In the NSCLC study, severe rash and diarrhea occurred in 9% and 6% of patients, respectively.
You may also have other changes in your skin. Your doctor may adjust the amount of Tarceva you are taking if you develop a rash.
In a large clinical study, Tarceva did not have some of the side effects of traditional chemotherapy, such as a low number of infection-fighting white blood cells. Tarceva was also less likely to be associated with total hair loss.
Let your doctor or nurse know if you experience side effects.
| Side effect | Self-help tips |
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Rash and other skin changes. Soon after you start taking Tarceva, a rash may appear—most often on your face, upper chest and back. However, a rash may appear anywhere on your body with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, burning, dryness, or cracked skin on your fingers and hands. It may look like acne or dry skin. Rash is a common side effect of Tarceva. If you get a rash while on Tarceva, call your doctor about what to do. |
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Diarrhea. This is most likely to occur within the first week or two of Tarceva treatment. As directed by your doctor, diarrhea may be treated with over-the-counter antidiarrhea products. Ask your doctor which product may be right for you. If your diarrhea worsens or persists, tell your doctor. |
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Important Safety Information
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 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or other advanced solid tumors. Reports of these ILD-like lung injuries have been serious and have included deaths in some patients.
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.
Holes that formed in the stomach, small intestine, or large bowel (including deaths) have been reported in patients taking Tarceva.
Severe blistering skin reactions including cases similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (including deaths) have been reported in patients taking Tarceva.
Eye swelling, infection, and holes in the cornea have been reported in patients taking Tarceva. Patients should tell their doctor about eye problems, including eye pain, that get worse.
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.
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
Rash and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with Tarceva in a large clinical study. They were usually mild to moderate. You may also have other changes in your skin.
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.
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