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What is Tarceva
ErlotinibThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryErlotinib, also known as Tarceva, is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It works by blocking a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, which helps prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading. More recently, studies have shown that erlotinib may also be effective against a genetic mutation called JAK2V617F, which is commonly found in patients with polycythemia vera and other myeloproliferative disorders. This means that erlotinib may be used
Tarcevais the brand name
Tarceva Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tarceva
Erlotinib
2005
49
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Erlotinib, otherwise called Tarceva, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses including Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer and Pancreatic carcinoma .Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer
Used to treat Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer in combination with Gemcitabine
Pancreatic carcinoma
Used to treat Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer (LAPC) in combination with Gemcitabine
Treatment Naive
Used to treat Treatment Naive in combination with Gemcitabine
Pancreatic carcinoma
Used to treat Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer in combination with Gemcitabine
Effectiveness
How Tarceva works in the bodyWe don't know exactly how erlotinib works, but it seems to stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking a certain type of protein. This protein, known as the epidermal growth factor receptor, is found on both normal and cancer cells. Erlotinib stops this protein from working, which prevents cancer cells from growing and spreading.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised measure of Tarceva is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer, Malignant Neoplasms and Pancreatic carcinoma. The sum of dosage varies, as per the approach of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet - Oral) noted in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Treatment Naive
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Pancreatic carcinoma
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Pancreatic carcinoma
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
disease progression after chemotherapy
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Malignant Neoplasms
, 25.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 100.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Tarceva.Common Tarceva Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Erlotinib.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Erlotinib.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Erlotinib.
Arsenic trioxide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Erlotinib is combined with Arsenic trioxide.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Erlotinib.
Tarceva Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on erlotinib can lead to diarrhea, skin rashes, and increased levels of liver enzymes. In people with non-small cell lung cancer, the most common side effects are rash, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tiredness. For those with pancreatic cancer, the most common side effects are fatigue, rashes, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Tarceva Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tarceva?
54 active trials are currently being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Tarceva in Treatment Naive, Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer and other Malignant Neoplasms.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Pancreatic carcinoma
2 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2
disease progression after chemotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Treatment Naive
0 Actively Recruiting
Malignant Neoplasms
12 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2
Pancreatic Metastatic Cancer
29 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Pancreatic carcinoma
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Tarceva Reviews: What are patients saying about Tarceva?
5Patient Review
8/21/2014 My wife started on 150 mg tarceva in march 2014. She got extremely tired and couldn't eat, so the doctor reduced it to 100 mg in may. The mass in her right lung was reduced somewhat, and the left lung is stable. She's still fatigued and gets some facial hair which we use nair for, as well as rashes on her feet and face. We use hydrocortisone cream that takes care of the rashes within a few days.
5Patient Review
1/26/2019 This treatment was life-saving.
5Patient Review
8/6/2017 My husband took this for his lung cancer for about 2 1/2 months in 2016. He experienced a sore rash, weakness, and shortness of breath. Unfortunately, he passed away on August 11th, 2016. I would not recommend this drug to anyone.
5Patient Review
3/18/2018 I've been taking this medication for four months now and have noticed increased hair growth in my facial area. Has anyone else experienced this side effect?
5Patient Review
3/3/2018 This medication really helped me with my diarrhea.
5Patient Review
7/2/2014 The rash got very bad.
4.7Patient Review
10/1/2014 The waiting period before and after taking the medication is important, but it can be somewhat inconvenient. However, if the treatment is effective, it's worth it.
3.7Patient Review
6/26/2014 My husband was on Tarceva for 2 1/2 months. It made him sick every day. He had stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. He went from two masses on his lung to full lung masses. He was very sick since he started taking it. He passed away on May 6, 2014.
3.3Patient Review
3/7/2018 This has made my life better. I'm thankful for the great doctors and treatments we have access to.
1.7Patient Review
10/23/2014 I've been on Tarceva for five years now and it's kept me in remission. The only side effects I experience are a skin rash (which can be painful) and diarrhea. On the plus side, my hair has gotten thicker and my eyelashes have grown back!
1.3Patient Review
5/22/20141Patient Review
1/19/2017 This treatment helped to shrink my tumors.
Patient Q&A Section about tarceva
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What are the side effects of Tarceva?
"You may experience diarrhea, dry skin, muscle/joint pain, mouth sores, unusual eyelash growth, or eye dryness/redness/irritation. In some cases, diarrhea can be severe and your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve it."
Answered by AI
Is Tarceva a chemotherapy?
"As of May 21, 2022, Tarceva is still considered to be a targeted therapy, and not a chemotherapy drug."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Tarceva used for?
"Tarceva is a medication that is given to patients who have non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of their body. The cancer must also have certain types of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in order for the patient to be prescribed Tarceva."
Answered by AI
Does Tarceva shrink tumors?
"Erlotinib can help to reduce the size of the cancer or to temporarily stop it from growing."
Answered by AI