erlotinib
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your erlotinib prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by various FDA-approved generic manufacturers.
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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erlotinib key facts
What dosages is erlotinib available in?
erlotinib is available as a 25 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg oral tablet.
What is erlotinib used for?
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)
How does erlotinib work?
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.
How do I take erlotinib?
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).
Is it safe for me to take erlotinib?
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.
erlotinib Common Side Effects
Common side effects of erlotinib:
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme tiredness
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Infection
erlotinib Serious Side Effects
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
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on erlotinib
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
Who makes erlotinib?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is erlotinib safe in pregnancy?
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.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my erlotinib prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your erlotinib prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient erlotinib savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient erlotinib savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for erlotinib | Canadian Prescription Savings* for erlotinib | erlotinib Drug Coupon* | erlotinib Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of erlotinib?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for erlotinib | Canadian Prescription Savings* for erlotinib | erlotinib Drug Coupon* | erlotinib Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the erlotinib savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the erlotinib drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for erlotinib, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the erlotinib prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, erlotinib is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed erlotinib for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the erlotinib prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the erlotinib prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for erlotinib
If you are having trouble paying for your erlotinib medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for erlotinib you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- erlotinib is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers erlotinib
- If erlotinib is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for erlotinib
If you are having trouble paying for your erlotinib medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for erlotinib you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers erlotinib
- If erlotinib is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for erlotinib
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your erlotinib treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for erlotinib you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for erlotinib
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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