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compositionComposition:ERLOTINIB-150MG
prescription
Prescription Medicine
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Tarceva 150mg is used to treat lung and pancreatic cancer. It contains Erlotinib which works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, bone pain, constipation, cough, diarrhoea, fatigue, fever, and infection. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

ERLOTINIB-150MG

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Jan-27

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Tarceva 150mg

Tarceva 150mg is a prescription medication used to treat specific types of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. It is also used in combination with other therapies to treat advanced pancreatic cancer. This medicine plays an important role in slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells.

This medication is typically taken once daily, and consistency is key to keeping a stable level of the medicine in your body. You must take this tablet on an empty stomach, either at least one hour before or two hours after eating, as food can significantly change how the medicine is absorbed. Adopting healthy habits, such as protecting your skin from the sun and staying well-hydrated, can help support your body during this treatment.

While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like skin rashes or diarrhoea, which are usually manageable. However, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms, such as sudden breathing difficulties, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of your eyes and skin.

Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, lung inflammation, or eye disorders. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have had a severe allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.

This medicine can interact with several substances; for instance, smoking tobacco speeds up how fast your body removes the drug, making it less effective, while certain acid-reducing medications can stop your body from absorbing it properly. It is highly recommended that pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals consult their healthcare provider before beginning treatment to ensure it is safe for their specific circumstances.

Uses of Tarceva 150mg

Here are the conditions that Tarceva 150mg is commonly used to treat:

  • Non-small cell lung cancer: Tarceva 150mg is prescribed to treat advanced or metastatic lung cancer that has specific abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes, helping to slow down tumor growth and prevent the cancer from spreading further.
  • Pancreatic cancer: In combination with other cancer medicines, Tarceva 150mg helps treat advanced pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or other organs, helping to control the progression of the disease.

Key Benefits

Tarceva 150mg provides several benefits by targeting specific cancer cells and slowing the progression of the disease:

  • Targets Cancer Cells: It specifically blocks EGFR signals that promote the growth and multiplication of certain cancer cells, helping slow tumour growth.
  • Helps Control Disease Progression: By delaying the growth and spread of cancer, it helps manage advanced cancers more effectively.
  • May Help Relieve Cancer-Related Symptoms: Slowing tumour growth may reduce pressure on nearby organs, which can help ease symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort, or breathing difficulties.
  • Supports Daily Functioning: By helping control the disease, Tarceva 150mg may enable some patients to maintain their physical activity and quality of life for longer during treatment.
Side effects of Tarceva 150mg

Directions for Use

  • Take Tarceva 150mg on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or as advised by your doctor.
  • It is advised to take Tarceva 150mg once daily; however, follow your doctor's recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
  • Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not crush, chew or break it.

How Tarceva 150mg Works

Tarceva 150mg contains erlotinib, a targeted anticancer medicine that belongs to a class of medicines called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that plays an important role in the growth and spread of certain cancer cells. In some types of cancer, EGFR is overactive, causing cancer cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably. By blocking the action of EGFR, Tarceva 150mg helps stop the growth and division of cancer cells and may slow or stop the spread of the cancer. It can also help shrink tumours in cancers that depend on EGFR signalling for their growth. Together, these actions help control the progression of certain cancers and improve treatment outcomes in patients with EGFR-sensitive tumours.
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Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Tarceva 150mg as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentrating.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Tarceva 150mg is restricted to use in pregnancy. A woman needs to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or at least 6 months after taking the last dose of Tarceva 150mg .

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Tarceva 150mg should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant.

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Driving

Caution

It is not known if Tarceva 150mg affects your driving ability or not. Drive only if you are physically stable and mentally focussed. If you experience drowsiness after taking this medication, you should not drive or operate any machinery or vehicles.

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Liver

Caution

Tarceva 150mg should be taken with caution in patients dealing with liver disease. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.

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Kidney

Caution

Tarceva 150mg is safe to take by patients dealing with kidney disease as prescribed by their doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.

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Children

Unsafe

Tarceva 150mg is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

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Heart

Caution

Tarceva 150mg should be taken with caution in patients with heart problems. Therefore, please inform your doctor before using Tarceva 150mg .

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Geriatrics

Caution

The safety and efficacy of Tarceva 150mg in older adults are not well established. Please consult your doctor before using Tarceva 150mg .

What if I have taken an overdose of Tarceva 150mg

If you take too much of this medication, seek immediate emergency medical attention or contact a poison control centre right away. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe diarrhoea or an intense skin rash.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Avoid smoking: Tobacco smoke significantly lowers the level of Tarceva 150mg in your blood, making the treatment much less effective. If you smoke, speak to your doctor about resources to help you quit.
  • Avoid grapefruit products: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of Tarceva 150mg in your system, which raises your risk of experiencing severe side effects.
  • Protect your skin from the sun: This medication makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing, hats, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily. Use gentle, alcohol-free moisturisers to manage dry skin.
  • Manage diarrhoea with hydration: If you develop mild diarrhoea, drink plenty of clear fluids such as water, broth, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration. Avoid spicy, greasy, or high-fibre foods that can worsen stomach irritation.
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How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Tarceva 150mg to start to work: The time required for Tarceva 150mg to show its action is unknown. The time for which the effects of Tarceva 150mg last: The duration of action for Tarceva 150mg is clinically unknown.

What if you forget to take Tarceva 150mg

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is within 12 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure what to do.

Storage

•Store Tarceva 150mg tablets at controlled room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). •Keep the tablets in their original packaging to protect them from direct light and moisture.

Drug Warnings

  • Inspect your tablets: Always examine your tablets before taking them. Do not take any tablet that is broken, chipped, or shows signs of discolouration.
  • Use acid-reducing medicines with caution: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can significantly reduce the absorption of Tarceva 150mg and are generally avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you need an antacid or an H2 blocker, your doctor will tell you how to space the doses appropriately to minimise interactions.
  • Use reliable birth control: This medication can cause serious harm to a developing baby. Women of reproductive potential should use highly effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month after the final dose. Men with partners who can become pregnant should also discuss appropriate contraception with their doctor during treatment.
  • Do not self-treat severe rashes: If you develop a painful or blistering rash, contact your doctor immediately. Do not apply over-the-counter acne creams, as these can severely irritate your skin further.
  • Monitor your breathing: Because lung inflammation is a rare but serious risk, report any new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or fever to your healthcare team immediately.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

The following medicines may interact with Tarceva 150mg and affect its safety or effectiveness: 

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs can markedly reduce the absorption of Tarceva 150mg and are generally avoided unless your doctor determines they are necessary.
  • H2 blockers and antacids: These medicines can also reduce Tarceva 150mg absorption. If they are needed, your doctor will advise you on the correct timing of doses to minimise the interaction.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole or clarithromycin): These medications can raise the levels of Tarceva 150mg in your blood, increasing the risk of serious side effects.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or rifampin): These medicines can lower the levels of Tarceva 150mg in your system, making your cancer treatment less effective.
  • Blood thinners (such as warfarin): Taking these with Tarceva 150mg can increase your risk of bleeding or bruising.

Drug-Drug Interactions

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How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Omeprazole can make Tarceva 150mg less effective by reducing its absorption in the body. This can lead to low treatment outcomes.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Omeprazole and Tarceva 150mg together is not recommended as it can result in an interaction; it should be taken only if a doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
When used in combination with Tarceva 150mg, Rabeprazole may prevent the absorption of Tarceva 150mg into the circulation, which might make Tarceva 150mg less effective in treating cancer.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Rabeprazole with Tarceva 150mg is not recommended as it can result in an interaction, it should be taken only if a doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without consulting a doctor.
ErlotinibLomitapide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Taking Tarceva 150mg and Lomitapide can increase the risk or severity of liver damage.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Tarceva 150mg and Lomitapide is generally avoided as it can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. However, if you notice any symptoms of fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, you should contact a doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
ErlotinibMipomersen
Severe
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Taking Tarceva 150mg and Mipomersen can increase the risk or severity of liver damage.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Tarceva 150mg and Mipomersen together can cause an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has suggested it. If you have any of these symptoms like fever, chills, joint pain, swelling, bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, or bleeding contact a doctor right away. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Tarceva 150mg's effects and blood levels could both be enhanced by ketoconazole.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Ketoconazole and Tarceva 150mg together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. However, if you develop severe or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, skin rash, shortness of breath, cough, or fever, consult a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Coadministration of Tarceva 150mg with Atorvastatin can raise the chance of side effects (liver injury and rhabdomyolysis, an uncommon but serious illness that causes the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. Rhabdomyolysis occasionally results in kidney injury).

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Tarceva 150mg with Atorvastatin together can result in an interaction, it can be taken if a doctor has advised it. However, if you notice any unexplained muscle pain, muscle stiffness or tenderness, fever, dark-colored urine, or weakness, you should contact a doctor immediately. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Taking Rifabutin and Tarceva 150mg may significantly reduce the blood levels of Tarceva 150mg.

How to manage the interaction:
Co-administration of Tarceva 150mg with Rifabutin can result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. If you experience any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor. Do not stop using any medications without a doctor's advice.
ErlotinibEnzalutamide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
Taking Enzalutamide with Tarceva 150mg may decrease the blood levels of Tarceva 150mg, which may make Tarceva 150mg less effective.

How to manage the interaction:
Although taking Enzalutamide and Tarceva 150mg together can possibly result in an interaction, it can be taken if your doctor has prescribed it. Do not discontinue any medications without a doctor's advice.
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
When Tarceva 150mg is taken with primidone, it reduces the blood levels of Tarceva 150mg. This can lead to low treatment outcomes.

How to manage the interaction:
Taking Tarceva 150mg with Primidone together can possibly result in an interaction, but it can be taken if your doctor has advised it. Do not stop using any medications without talking to a doctor.
ErlotinibRifapentine
Severe
How does the drug interact with Tarceva 150mg:
When Tarceva 150mg is taken with rifapentine, it reduces the blood levels of Tarceva 150mg.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is a possible interaction between Tarceva 150mg and Rifapentine, you can take these medicines together if advised by a doctor. Do not discontinue any medications without first consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

Certain foods and drinks may change how Tarceva 150mg is absorbed or processed in your body:

  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: These can block the enzymes that break down Tarceva 150mg , leading to dangerously high levels of the drug in your body.
  • Food: Eating meals or snacks while taking Tarceva 150mg increases its absorption significantly, which can lead to unpredictable drug levels and increased side effects.
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTINEOPLASTIC]

FAQs

Tarceva 150mg is used to treat lung and pancreatic cancer.
Tarceva 150mg contains Erlotinib, an anti-cancer medication that works by preventing the activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hence induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells in stopped or slowed down.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer followed by coughing.
Tarceva 150mg is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Tarceva 150mg only after asking with a doctor as they may adjust the dosing according to the patient's condition.
In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is more if you are taking Tarceva 150mg . For the patients who are elderly, dose adjustment might be required or your doctor might prescribe any other medication safe for the elderly.
Tarceva 150mg can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
No, It is advised to maintain a gap between both the medicines, as use of antacids along with Tarceva 150mg may affect the way the Tarceva 150mg works. Consult your doctor for further information.
Tarceva 150mg should be used with caution in patients using anticoagulants. Tarceva 150mg may increase your tendency to bleed. Talk to your doctor, he will need to regularly monitor you with some blood tests.
Tarceva 150mg is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy were not established.
No, you should not take Tarceva 150mg if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
No. Take Tarceva 150mg on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Taking it with food increases the amount of medicine absorbed into your bloodstream, which may increase the risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding when to take each dose.
Tarceva 150mg is a targeted therapy used to treat specific types of non-small cell lung cancer that spread to nearby tissues or any other parts of the body in patients who have previously undergone at least one chemotherapy treatment without improvement.
Yes, Smoking may interfere with Tarceva 150mg . It lowers the levels of Tarceva 150mg in the blood, potentially reducing its effectiveness in treating the cancer. Avoid smoking while on treatment with Tarceva 150mg to treat your condition effectively.
Inform the doctor if you notice a rash while taking Tarceva 150mg as it could be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
Tarceva 150mg may harm the foetus. Therefore, it is not recommended to become pregnant during treatment with Tarceva 150mg . Use effective birth control while taking Tarceva 150mg and for at least one month after your final dose. Talk to the doctor if you plan to become pregnant; the doctor will provide guidance on the same.
Tarceva 150mg may cause sparse eyelashes (thinning of eyelashes), blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids), and diffuse conjunctival congestion (redness of the eye). Consult the doctor if you notice any eye problems.
Call your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, worsening shortness of breath or cough, new or worsening rash, blistering or peeling of the skin, eye irritation or any changes in smoking habits during treatment with Tarceva 150mg .
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally not known to interact directly with Tarceva 150mg , but alcohol can irritate your stomach and liver, which are already affected by this medication. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol to protect your organs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.
Severe lung inflammation is a rare but life-threatening side effect. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, a new or worsening cough, or a fever, seek immediate medical attention. Talk to your doctor if you have any breathing changes.
Medications that lower stomach acid, like proton pump inhibitors, can prevent Tarceva 150mg from being absorbed properly, reducing its effectiveness. If you need antacids, take them at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after your Tarceva 150mg dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new stomach medications.
Tarceva 150mg is not a cure, but it is highly effective at slowing down the growth and spread of certain cancer cells, which helps manage the disease and control symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your progress to see how well the medicine is working. Talk to your doctor to understand your specific treatment goals.

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Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Roche Diagnostics India Pvt Ltd, 501 B, Silver Utopia, Cardinal Gracious Road, Chakala Road, Andheri East, Mumbai – 400069
Other Info - TAR0008
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