Tarceva
Form: Tablet
Strength: 100mg
Generic Name: Erlotinib
Company: Roche Bangladesh Pharmaceutical
MRP:৳ 2999.8 (Tablet)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Tarceva is used for the first-line treatment of metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors have EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations. Tarceva is also used for maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose disease has not worsened after four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Tarceva is used when previous chemotherapy treatment has failed. Additionally, Tarceva is used in combination with gemcitabine for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Mode of action
N/A
Dosage & Administration
NSCLC: The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib for NSCLC is 150 mg, taken on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after food). Continue treatment until disease progression or if side effects become too severe.
Pancreatic Cancer: The recommended daily dose is 100 mg, taken with gemcitabine, on an empty stomach. Treatment should continue until disease progression or if side effects become severe.
Reduce Erlotinib by 50 mg if severe reactions occur with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or with medications that inhibit both CYP3A4 and CYP1A2.
Increase Erlotinib by 50 mg increments if used with CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin or phenytoin, or if the patient smokes.
Interaction
Anticoagulants: May increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
CYP3A4 inhibitors: Co-treatment with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole) may increase Erlotinib levels in the body.
CYP3A4 inducers: Drugs like Rifampicin can reduce the effectiveness of Erlotinib.
Gastric pH affecting drugs: Drugs like omeprazole or ranitidine can lower Erlotinib levels in the body.
Contraindications
N/A
Side Effects
The most common side effects (20% of patients) include rash, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, shortness of breath, cough, nausea, and vomiting. Serious side effects include lung disease, kidney failure, liver damage, gastrointestinal perforation, severe skin reactions, heart issues, strokes, anemia, eye disorders, and bleeding (especially in patients on warfarin).
Pregnancy & Lactation
Tarceva is classified as pregnancy category D, meaning Tarceva can harm the fetus. Tarceva is not known if Erlotinib passes into breast milk. A decision should be made whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the drug, considering the benefits for the mother.
Precautions & Warnings
Monitor for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), which occurs in a small percentage of patients. If lung symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, or fever appear, Erlotinib should be stopped. Also, monitor for kidney damage, liver damage, and gastrointestinal issues. Discontinue the drug if severe reactions occur. Patients with pancreatic cancer are at an increased risk of heart issues.
Overdose Effects
Overdoses of Erlotinib may cause severe side effects like diarrhea, rash, and liver problems. If an overdose is suspected, stop the drug and provide supportive care.
Therapeutic Class
Targeted Cancer Therapy
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.
Similar Brands of Erlotinib (Tablet – 100mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erlonix | Tablet | 100mg | Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 600.0 |
| Erloren | Tablet | 100mg | Renata Limited | 600.0 |
| Erlotin | Tablet | 100mg | Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 0.0 |
| Ertinib 100 | Tablet | 100mg | Aristopharma Limited | 550.0 |
| Tarvanib 100 | Tablet | 100mg | Julphar Bangladesh Ltd. | 550.0 |