Erlotinib
Cytostatic · Protein kinase inhibitor
Indications
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pancreatic cancer.
Dosage
Non-small cell lung cancer: Adults: 150 mg 1 hr before or 2 hr after the ingestion of food. Pancreatic cancer: Adults: 100 mg once daily in combination with gemcitabine, continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Adverse Effects
Fatigue, rash, alopecia, chest pain, diarrhoea, anorexia, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, weakness, dyspnoea, cough, infection, pain, increased bilirubin, musculoskeletal pain, GI upset, keratitis, conjunctivitis, GI bleeding, epistaxis, liver function abnormalities, fatigue, pruritus, dry skin, alopecia, paronychia, wt loss, depression, pyrexia, neuropathy, headache. Reports of corneal ulceration and severe skin reactions (interrupt or discontinue).
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe hepatic or severe renal impairment. Precautions: Monitor liver function; patients with any hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >ULN; Child -Pugh class A, B or C) should be closely monitored, including those with hepatic disease due to tumour burden; use with extreme caution in patients with total bilirubin >3 times ULN. Use with caution in patients with or at risk for renal impairment. Monitor closely for dehydration; monitor renal function and electrolytes in patients at risk for dehydration. risk of corneal perforation and ulceration; interrupt or discontinue treatment in patients presenting with eye pain or other acute or worsening ocular symptoms. Interrupt treatment and evaluate patients who develop…
Interactions
Conivaptan, proton pump inhibitors (avoid), vitamin K antagonists, antifungal agents, ciprofloxacin, CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, substrates, dasatinib, fluvoxamine, ivacaftor, mifepristone, cardiac glycosides. deferasirox, rifampin, tocilizumab, potent CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine), H2 antagonists, antacids, coumarins, ciclosporin, verapamil, statins, capecitabine, hepatotoxic drugs, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, taxanes, anti-angiogenic drugs.
Advice to Patient
Take atleast 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Contact prescriber if there is fever, chills, sore throat or other signs of infection. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Take small, frequent meals to maintain good nutritional status. To treat/prevent mouth sores, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda and/or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water. Avoid alcohol during treatment. Take plenty of rest. Avoid direct sunlight, use protective clothing, wear sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and eyewear to prevent photosensitivity.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Oral: Approx 60% on an empty stomach; food increases to approx. 100%. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Approx 100% when given with food; approx. 60% without food. Half-life elimination: 36.2 hours. Time to peak: 4 hours. Excretion: Primarily as metabolites; Feces (83%; 1% as unchanged drug); urine (8%; <1% as unchanged drug).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.