Tarceva

Tarceva is a cancer chemotherapy medication. It disturbs the growth of cancer cells and reduces the rate of their growth and spreading in the body. Tarceva is used to treat non-small lung cancer. Doctors also prescribe the medication for other purposes which are not listed above. The medication contains an active ingredient called erlotinib. It works in such a way to make obstacle for of growth of cancer cells. The cells of cancer have structures called epidermal growth factor receptors on their surfaces and these allow a protein to attach to the cells. When a protein attaches to the surface, it activates an enzyme in the cell known as tyrosine kinase, which triggers some chemical processes inside the cells of cancer. The function of the medication is to attack the enzyme and stop the growth of new cancer cells.

Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or lung or breathing problems, because in these conditions, you are unable to take medication or you need to get special monitoring from your doctor. The medication comes in FDA pregnancy category D which means that it may be harmful to an unborn baby, so if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant then first inform your doctor. You should take birth control pills for at least two weeks after the completion of treatment with Tarceva. It is not confirmed that the medication passes into milk of nursing mother or not, but you should talk with your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.



Take the medication with water and take it one hour before or two hours after the meal. To get the most benefit, you should take the medication on regular basis. It is also possible that your doctor may advice you to carry out some blood tests or other medical evaluation during the treatment with Tarceva, in order to monitor the progress and side effects of the medication. Your doctor will tell about the duration of treatment because it depends on the type of cancer. If you face any problems regarding the treatment, then you can ask from your health professional. Place the medication at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

You should follow a strict schedule of doses and if you miss a dose then you should contact with your doctor. Don’t try to take double doses at the same time and if you experience overdose then contact with your doctor and get emergency medical help. There is no restriction on any food, beverages, or activity while you are taking this medication.

You can experience the following serious side effects. If they occur, then contact with your doctor. These include difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of lips, tongue, or face, or hives, lung problems, increased coughing, fever, or chest pain, severe nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, diarrhea, eye pain or irritation. There are some less severe side effects, but they happen commonly and there is no need to stop the medication. These side effects include mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, skin rash, dryness, itching, acne, and weakness.