What is Tarceva?
Tarceva is prescribed to treat pancreatic cancer. It is also used to treat patients with advanced lung cancer when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Tarceva (Erlotinib) Information
Tarceva dosage
Tarceva is taken orally, on an empty stomach, once a day as per your doctor. You can take your dose either an hour before or two hours after a meal if it is easiest to take it close to meal times.
Remember to take this consistently to get the best results from treatment. Do not take extra doses as they will not provide better treatment. Inform your doctor if you find that your condition does not improve or grows worse. Taking more medication can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
How Tarceva works
Tarceva works by reducing or even stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Tarceva side effects
This is not a complete list of potential side effects of Tarceva. You may experience side effects that are not listed here. Report side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. If you find them unmanageable, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
By prescribing Tarceva, your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh the potential adverse reactions. We also have a pharmacist that can provide counselling when you buy Tarceva online.
- inability to speak
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- irritability
- sore throat
- dry eyes
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Acid or sour stomach
- painful or difficult urination
- Burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs
- rash (severe)
- bone pain
- hair loss
- nervousness
- swelling or inflammation of the mouth
- tenderness in the stomach area
- confusion
- diarrhea (severe)
- bloody nose
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- nausea or vomiting
- swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
- cough or hoarseness
- muscle twitching
- Loosening of the fingernails
- trouble with concentrating
- shivering
- fever or chills
- thinning of the hair
- severe stomach pain
- pimples
- decreased urine output
- fear
- tightness in the chest
- mood changes
- sweating
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- itching skin
- Brittle and loose nails
- lethargy
- burning upper abdominal or stomach pain
- discharge, excessive tearing
- sudden, severe chest pain
- muscle pain or stiffness
- lower back or side pain
- diarrhea (mild)
- excessive tearing
- indigestion
- passing gas
- eye pain
Tarceva precautions and warnings
Always read and understand the medication guide provided with the product before you begin taking treatment. When you buy Tarceva online from Your Canada Drug Store, we always send the products in the manufacturer’s packaging.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor as this may harm an unborn baby or contaminate breast milk. Your doctor may suggest birth control options during treatment. It can also be absorbed through the skin and the lungs, therefore pregnant women should avoid breathing in the dust from the tablets or handle them.
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or taking antacids/H2 blockers during treatment. They may affect how Tarceva works or can increase your risk of side effects. Advise your doctor if you have a history of liver, intestinal/stomach or kidney disease.
A potential side effect of Tarceva is bleeding in your stomach. Using alcohol on a daily basis can increase the chances of bleeding. It may also cause skin reactions. Sunlight can increase the risk of these reactions. Avoid tanning booths and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when in direct sunlight.
Tarceva drug interactions
The following drugs are known to interact with Tarceva. This is not an exhaustive list of all possible drug interactions. It is important to disclose all your current vitamins, supplements, OTC drugs, herbal products and anything including prescription medicines. You should also advise your doctor or dentist before surgery.
Your doctor needs this information to prevent allergic reactions or adverse effects. They may have to determine if the interaction is worth the benefit of using both drugs.
- Famotidine
- Nelfinavir
- Voriconazole
- Itraconazole
- Indinavir
- Ketoconazole
- Enzalutamide
- Rifabutin
- Amiodarone
- Acenocoumarol
- Rabeprazole
- Pantoprazole
- Saquinavir
- Rifapentine
- Nefazodone
- Phenytoin
- Cobicistat
- Esomeprazole
- Idelalisib
- Fosphenytoin
- Cimetidine
- Conivaptan
- Dexlansoprazole
- Lopinavir
- Clarithromycin
- Warfarin
- Ritonavir
- Omeprazole
- Telaprevir
- Nizatidine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Phenobarbital
- Boceprevir
- Posaconazole
- Phenprocoumon
- Mitotane
- Carbamazepine
- Telithromycin
- Lansoprazole
- Lumacaftor
- St John's Wort
- Rifampin
- Ranitidine
- blood thinners such as warfarin
Tarceva Generic
The generic equivalent of Tarceva is Erlotinib. It is significantly less expensive than the brand product.
Tarceva coupon
Check here for discounts when buying Tarceva online.