The Connection Between Erlotinib Tarceva and Pancreatic Cancer

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The Connection Between Erlotinib Tarceva and
Pancreatic Cancer
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Tarceva (Generic Erlotinib) is generally
prescribed for the treatment of non-small cell
lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the
body and has a specific EGFR mutation. Erlotinib
/ Tarceva cost infomation
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Tarceva for treating Advanced Stage Pancreatic
Cancer
In combination with another medication
Gemcitabine, Tarceva (Erlotinib) is used for
treating patients who have been diagnosed with
advanced stage pancreatic cancer. It is
prescribed to such patients who have previously
not received chemotherapy or if the cancer has
already spread to other parts of the body and
cannot be surgically removed.
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In a study conducted to observe the effectiveness
of tarceva on advanced stage pancreatic cancer.
It was revealed that 50 of patients who were
given gemcitabine along with tarceva had a longer
average survival time than the other 50 of
patients who were given gemcitabine with placebo
(a sugar pill). The patients who were treated
with gemcitabine and tarceva had a 19 lesser
risk of death and around 9 of those patients
tumours grew smaller.
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Tarceva / Erlotinib Mechanism of Action
Tarceva can affect cancer cells as well as
healthy cells. It may inhibit the functioning of
a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor
or EGFR that certain cancer cells require for
their growth. However, the exact workings of
Tarceva are not fully understood. Erlotinib /
Tarceva cost information
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Side Effects of Tarceva (Erlotinib)

• Taking tarceva may cause some serious side
  effects
• Pregnancy
• Tarceva can cause harm to the unborn baby. Use
  effective birth control during while taking
  Tarceva and for at least a month after taking the
  last dose.
• Immediately contact your doctor if you become
  pregnant during the treatment with tarceva.
• Breast feeding while taking this medication and
  for 2 weeks after taking the last dose is also
  not recommended as it can harm
• the nursing baby.

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• Problem in Lungs
• It has been observed that taking Tarceva can
  cause lung problems that may even lead to death.
  Some symptoms of lung problems include fever,
  coughing and shortness of breath.
• Bleeding and Clotting
• Tarceva can cause bleedings and blood clot
  problems that can result in strokes and even
  death.

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• Problems in Liver and Kidney
• Inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you
  have a history of liver or kidney disease.
  Tarceva can cause severe liver and kidney
  problems that can affect their functioning.

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• Eye Problems
• Some side effects of tarceva include dried eyes
  and unusual growth of eyelashes.
• Swelling of the cornea can also occur which can
  cause irritation or even damage the eye.
• Skin, Hair and Nail Conditions
• In some cases, the patient may experience loose
  nails, hardened nails, hairiness or black nails.
• Tarceva can cause also cause rashes that get
  worse from sun exposure. The patient may also
  experience dry skin or dark skin.

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• Intestinal and Stomach Conditions
• Tarceva can cause a hole in the stomach or
  intestines called a GI perforation. It is more
  likely to occur if the patient has a medical
  history of ulcers or is taking medications that
  block the growth of blood vessels. Steroids and
  nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can
  also increase the risk of a GI perforation.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tarceva
(Erlotinib)

• What are the common side effects from taking
  Tarceva?
• For the treatment of pancreatic cancer, side
  effects may include
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Nausea
• Rashes

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• For the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer,
  side effects may include
• Shortness of breath and/or weakness
• Rashes
• Consistent coughs
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling weak
• Diarrhea

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• Should I take other medications while taking
  Tarceva?
• Before your treatment with Tarceva begins, inform
  your healthcare provider about all the
  medications that you are taking. Do not begin
  taking other medications without the knowledge of
  your healthcare provider.
• It is also important to not consume grapefruit or
  grapefruit products as they may interact with
  Tarceva to cause unwanted side effects.
• The information provided on the page is meant for
  the purpose of being helpful and educational.
• It should not be considered
• as medical advice.

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