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Erlotinib tablet What kind of medication is this? The anti-cancer medication known as erlotinib works by inhibiting the development of cancer cells and reducing the spread of the disease throughout the body. Erlotinib is a drug that is used to treat cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, such as non-small cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer (metastatic). Erlotinib treatment is often reserved for patients whose cancer has not responded favorably to other available treatment options. Before I start using this medication, what information is important for my physician to have? If you have an allergy to erlotinib, you should not take the medication. Telling your doctor if you have the following conditions can help ensure that erlotinib is a safe treatment for you: difficulties with the lungs or the respiratory system (other than lung cancer); kidney disease; illness of the liver; a previous history of bleeding from the stomach; eye troubles; if you are dehydrated; if you smoke; or if you also take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Do not use erlotinib if you are pregnant. It is possible that the unborn child will be harmed. Always use a reliable method of birth control while you are taking this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your treatment has finished, even if you are not planning on having children. It is unknown whether erlotinib is excreted into breast milk or whether it may be harmful to a baby who is being breastfed. When you are on erlotinib, you should not breastfeed your child. What is the correct way to take this medication? Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. In order to optimize your treatment and provide the best possible outcomes, your physician may adjust your dosage on occasion. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. Erlotinib should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. In order to ensure that this medication is not having any adverse effects on your body, you may be required to undergo regular medical examinations. The outcomes of these tests might cause a delay in the administration of cancer therapy to the patient. What other substances could react with this medication? Erlotinib can interact with a wide variety of medications. This include both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in addition to herbal and vitamin supplements. This drug guide does not provide a description of all potentially harmful interactions. Talk to your primary care physician about any and all medications you use, including those that you begin or discontinue taking while receiving therapy with erlotinib. Provide any healthcare practitioner who is treating you with a list of all the medications you are currently taking. What side effects should I be on the lookout for while I'm taking this medication? It is important to refrain from consuming an antacid within a few hours before or after taking erlotinib. Before using any additional medications for your stomach, including cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine, or others, see your physician or a pharmacist (Zantac). Try to limit your time spent in the sun and indoor tanning booths. Erlotinib has been linked to a variety of skin side effects, including rashes, dryness, and irritation. Before you go outside, make sure to protect yourself by donning protective gear and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Avoid using any items on your skin that include alcohol or might cause dryness or irritation, such as acne drugs, skin cleansers or soaps that are too harsh, or any products that contain alcohol. Avoid smoking. Erlotinib's therapeutic value may be diminished as a result. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice have the potential to interact with erlotinib, which might result in undesirable side effects. When you are on erlotinib, you should stay away from anything that contains grapefruit. While you are treating your condition with erlotinib, you should avoid using any herbal supplements that include St. John's wort. This medication is capable of penetrating bodily fluids (urine, feces, vomit). While cleaning up a patient's bodily fluids, handling contaminated garbage or laundry, or changing a patient's diaper, caregivers should use rubber gloves to protect their hands. It is important to wash your hands both before and after removing the gloves. Separately launder dirty articles of clothes and linens from the rest of the laundry. What potential negative reactions may I have to this medication? You should seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. If you develop any of the following symptoms, you should immediately stop using erlotinib and contact your doctor: a sudden ache or discomfort in the chest, wheezing, a dry cough, and the sensation of being short of breath; strong discomfort in the abdominal region, fever, chills, and bloody coughing; persistent and severe nausea and vomiting as well as diarrhea; ocular discomfort or irritation, visual difficulties; Pain or pressure in the chest, discomfort that spreads to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, and perspiration are some of the signs of a heart attack. symptoms of a stroke include abrupt numbness or weakness (particularly on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, difficulties with vision or balance; symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat; Problems with the kidneys or liver, such as infrequent or no urination, swelling, rapid weight gain (especially in your face and midsection), confusion, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or other symptoms such as these may indicate that you have a disease of the kidneys or liver. Severe skin response characterized by fever, sore throat, swelling in the face or tongue, burning in the eyes, and skin discomfort, followed by a rash that is red or purple, spreads (particularly in the face or upper body), and causes blistering and peeling of the skin. The following are examples of common adverse effects: symptoms including sickness, vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite; dry eyes; a hacking cough and difficulty breathing; eruptive; or a sensation of fatigue and weakness. Where should I store my medication, please? Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture when storing.