Drug Tarceva: Its Effects, Purposes, Interactions with Other Medications, and Additional Information
Article Title: Tarceva (Erlotinib): A Targeted Therapy for Lung and Pancreatic Cancer
Tarceva, a brand-name prescription medication, is primarily used to treat certain forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer in adults. The generic form of Tarceva is also considered safe and effective. This medication comes as an oral tablet, and it's crucial to take it on an empty stomach to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
Tarceva contains the active ingredient erlotinib and works by inhibiting a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found in tumour cells. However, it's essential to note that Tarceva is not typically effective for treating breast cancer.
For HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and its biosimilars are established and effective treatments. Trastuzumab targets HER2+ breast cancer cells and has shown significant efficacy in the management of both early and metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Tarceva is mainly prescribed for EGFR-mutated NSCLC and advanced-stage pancreatic cancer that is locally advanced, metastatic, or cannot be surgically removed. In some cases, it may be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs like gemcitabine (Gemzar, Infugem) to treat pancreatic cancer.
Tarceva may cause mild or serious side effects, including skin rash, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, mild eye side effects, fatigue, allergic reaction, liver problems, kidney failure, gastrointestinal perforation, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, stroke in people taking gemcitabine with Tarceva, interstitial lung disease, skin-related side effects, and severe diarrhea.
It's crucial to take Tarceva according to the instructions your doctor gives you, and not to take more than recommended. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible on an empty stomach. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Tarceva should be stored at room temperature, 25°C (77°F) in a tightly sealed container, and avoided in areas where it could get damp or wet. Certain medications may interact with Tarceva, so it's essential to inform your doctor about all medications you're currently taking.
If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions, Tarceva may not be the right choice for you. It's essential to discuss these factors with your doctor to determine the best treatment option.
If you have any questions about Tarceva, its usage, side effects, or duration of treatment, consult your doctor for advice. It's also important to dispose of any leftover Tarceva medication safely and not to take it while breastfeeding.
In summary, Tarceva is a targeted therapy primarily used for EGFR-mutated NSCLC and advanced pancreatic cancer, not breast cancer. HER2-directed agents such as trastuzumab remain the main effective targeted treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer. It's crucial to discuss your treatment options with your doctor to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
[1] National Cancer Institute. (2021). Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq
[2] Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Tarceva (erlotinib) tablets. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/tarceva-erlotinib-tablets
[3] American Cancer Society. (2021). Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/targeted-therapy.html
- Tarceva, a medication often used to treat certain forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer, contains the active ingredient erlotinib and works by inhibiting a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), found in tumor cells.
- However, it's essential to note that Tarceva is not typically effective for treating breast cancer, and HER2-directed agents such as trastuzumab remain the main effective targeted treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Tarceva is primarily prescribed for EGFR-mutated NSCLC and advanced-stage pancreatic cancer that is locally advanced, metastatic, or cannot be surgically removed, and in some cases, it may be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs like gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer.
- It's crucial to take Tarceva according to the instructions given by your doctor, as it may cause mild or serious side effects, such as skin rash, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, and severe diarrhea.
- If you have any questions about Tarceva, its usage, side effects, or duration of treatment, consult your doctor for advice, and remember to discuss your treatment options in the context of other medical conditions you may have, such as breastfeeding or being pregnant.
