Adverse effects of Tarceva: A listing of potential issues and coping strategies
Tarceva, a kinase inhibitor, is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in adults. The active ingredient in Tarceva is erlotinib.
While Tarceva can be an effective treatment option, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, decreased appetite, cough, skin rash, and fatigue. Mild eye problems, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, weakness, and mild allergic reactions are also possible.
More serious but less common long-term effects include interstitial lung disease (a serious lung inflammation), kidney failure, liver problems, gastrointestinal perforation, stroke, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, eye problems, and rash. It's crucial to monitor for persistent skin issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, and lung function changes with appropriate supportive care to manage chronic side effects.
Skin reactions, such as rash and dryness, are common and may persist or recur during treatment with erlotinib due to its action on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in skin cells. Gastrointestinal effects, including chronic diarrhea and occasional nausea or vomiting, can occur over long-term use. Pulmonary effects, while rare, may include interstitial lung disease, requiring monitoring. Prolonged use may also impact liver enzymes and function, necessitating regular liver tests.
Tarceva should not be taken during pregnancy, as it may cause harm to a developing fetus. It's also not known whether Tarceva is safe to take while breastfeeding. Before starting Tarceva treatment, it's important to tell your doctor if you have any digestive conditions, kidney problems, liver problems, or smoke, as these may affect your treatment.
It's recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking Tarceva and for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment. Tarceva is available in the form of oral tablets.
Although there aren't any known interactions between Tarceva and alcohol, both can cause some of the same side effects, so the risk of side effects may increase if you drink while taking Tarceva.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you pause your treatment with Tarceva until your condition improves, or switch to a different medication. If you develop any symptoms of a serious skin condition, eye problems, or fatigue during your treatment with Tarceva, you should see your doctor right away.
If you have any questions about the side effects of taking Tarceva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance and support to help manage any potential side effects during your treatment.
- Tarceva, a kinase inhibitor, is used to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in adults, and it contains the active ingredient erlotinib.
- Side effects of Tarceva, such as diarrhea, decreased appetite, cough, skin rash, and fatigue, are common, but serious ones like interstitial lung disease, kidney failure, liver problems, gastrointestinal perforation, stroke, and rash can occur less frequently.
- Regular monitoring for persistent skin issues, gastrointestinal symptoms, and lung function changes is crucial during long-term treatment with Tarceva.
- Tarceva should not be taken during pregnancy as it may cause harm to a developing fetus, and its safety during breastfeeding is unknown.
- It's important to inform your doctor of any digestive conditions, kidney problems, liver problems, or smoking habits before starting Tarceva treatment.
- Tarceva is available in the form of oral tablets, and while there may not be any known interactions with alcohol, the risk of side effects may increase if you drink while taking it.
