Re: Tarceva: New Drug Against Lung Cancer

From: J (quad_at_privacy.net)
Date: 11/21/04 

Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 18:51:43 -0500

http://cancer.duke.edu/btc/Resources/PatientEducation/Tarceva.pdf
PATIENT EDUCATION

ŠThe Brain Tumor Center at Duke
This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care
needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions you may have.

Also Called: OSI-774 or Erlotinib hydrochloride
What It Does: Inhibits tumor growth by blocking the activity of the epidermal growth factor gene.

How Given: Orally (by mouth)

When to Take:
In the morning with a large glass of water. You should take the drug one hour before or two
hours after eating. Do NOT take with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Do NOT take TarcevaTM on
the days of your clinic appointments until after your labwork is drawn. You may take your other
medications as usual.

Cycle Length: 4 weeks

Labwork Due: Every 4 weeks

Expected Side Effects:
Acne-like rash
Diarrhea

Possible Side Effects:
Eye irritation
Problems with liver function

Rare Side Effects:
 Lung injury
 Swelling of the pancreas
 Bleeding from the stomach
Swelling and damage to the lining of the uterus