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Erlotinib

Chemotherapy

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What is erlotinib?

Erlotinib (also called Tarceva®) is an anti-cancer medicine. Erlotinib is taken by mouth. It is available as a 25-mg, 100-mg and 150-mg tablet.

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Possible side effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Rash seen on scalp, face, neck, chest and back, starting about a week after treatment begins
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • Eye irritation

    There may be more side effects, such as loss of hair, changes in liver function, unusual cough or fever. Please report all side effects right away to your doctor or nurse.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take erlotinib will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist. 

  • Because erlotinib may cause birth defects, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Both men and women who are taking erlotinib should use effective birth control methods.
  • It is not known whether erlotinib passes into breast milk. This medicine might cause serious harm to a nursing infant. Women who are taking erlotinib should not breast-feed a baby.
  • Erlotinib tablets should be stored at room temperature.
  • Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Other medicine may affect the way erlotinib works, including phenytoin, cabamazepine, phenobarbital, rifampin, itraconazole, and erythromycin. Always give a complete list of medicines you are taking to your doctor or pharmacist. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new vitamins, herbals, or other medicines.
  • Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking erlotinib.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • More frequent monitoring of PT/INR blood tests may be required if you are taking warfarin while on erlotinib.

    Safe handling of erlotinib
  • All chemotherapy drugs taken by mouth can pose a health hazard to caregivers and patients. You should be careful when handling this medicine and try to keep the drug from touching the skin. Taking precautions will ensure that both the patient and the caregiver are protected as well as possible.
  • Prepare a clean area where the drug can be handled safely (away from areas where food is prepared, out of the reach of children, and out from under any air vents or fans).
  • We suggest you or the caregiver wear gloves while handling this medicine. Wash your hands right away if your skin comes in contact with the medicine.
  • Carefully wash tablet cutters and tablet crushers with warm soapy water after each use and allow to dry. Completely clean up any spills in the area where the medicine is prepared.

Drug at Home:

  • You should take erlotinib on an empty stomach. You may not have anything to eat or drink one (1) hour before, and 2 hours after taking erlotinib.
  • You must drink plenty of fluids while taking erlotinib.
  • If you have problems taking this medicine on an empty stomach, talk to your doctor or clinical pharmacist.
  • Read the directions on the bottle carefully to make sure you take this medicine correctly.
  • If you cannot swallow the tablet, erlotinib can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of applesauce
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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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