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Erlotinib is available as a 25 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg oral tablet.

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is used to treat:
Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain adults
Advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar)

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks certain proteins from attaching to a specific target on cells called the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is found on both healthy and cancer cells, and is important for cell growth. Cancer cells usually have more EGFR proteins than noncancerous cells. When EGFR is blocked by Erlotinib, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.

Erlotinib is dosed as follows: NSCLC: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily, on an empty stomach. Pancreatic cancer: The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily, on an empty stomach. Erlotinib is usually taken in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar).

Erlotinib is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

Common side effects of Erlotinib:

• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme tiredness
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Infection

Serious side effects are rare with Erlotinib. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

• Stroke: severe headaches, visual changes, sudden confusion, weakness on one side of the body, dizziness, trouble speaking or walking
• Serious lung problems: extreme tiredness, dry cough, trouble catching your breath (especially after an activity), fast and shallow breathing, chest discomfort
  Kidney problems: blood in the urine, painful urination, dark urine
• Liver damage: dark urine, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
• Damage to the gut: fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, feeling bloated, intense stomach pain
• Severe skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin, painful sores in your mouth or around your eyes
• Serious bleeds: bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, large amount of bleeding, blood in the urine, throwing up blood, bloody or black and tarry stool

The following medications may interact with Erlotinib:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor increase Erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, reduce Erlotinib dose
• CYP3A4 inducers decrease Erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, increase Erlotinib dose
• Cigarette smoking and CYP1A2 inducers decrease Erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, increase Erlotinib dose
• Drugs that increase gastric pH decrease Erlotinib plasma concentrations
• For proton pump inhibitors avoid concomitant use if possible. For H-2 receptor antagonists, take Erlotinib 10 hours after H-2 receptor antagonist dosing. For use with antacids, separate dosing by several hours

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Based on animal data, Erlotinib may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. Erlotinib should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

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