Tarceva Treatment By Robert Lindum At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The generic name of Tarceva is erlotinib. It is a cancer chemotherapy medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows down their growth and spread in the body. It is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. When taking Tarceva, observe the following serious side effects:

• eye pain or irritation
• persistent nausea
• loss of appetite
• diarrhea
• lung problems
• allergic reactions

This medicine is contraindicated in patient with liver disease and lung or breathing problems. Erlotinib is in the FDA pregnancy category D meaning it is harmful to an unborn baby. Birth control pills should be used during treatment with erlotinib and for at least two weeks after the treatment completion. No clinical studies done on whether this medicine passes into breast milk. It is still best to consult the doctor before taking the medicine. It is taken at least one hour before or two hours after eating. It is taken with water and it is important to take it regularly to achieve the desired benefit. In order to monitor the progress and side effects the doctor might request some blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment. The doctor will determine the amount, duration and frequency of medication depending on the type of cancer that is being factored and treated. If in case overdose is suspected, contact the healthcare provider immediately.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interacts with erlotinib that could lead to adverse effects. Ask your doctor before including grapefruit and grapefruit juice in your diet. The normal dose of this medicine is once a day every day. It is usually combined with gemcitabine if used during chemotherapy to achieve the targeted therapy. Clinical studies show that taking Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is a great option for treating advanced pancreatic cancer. The combination of erlotinib and gemcitabine is recommended for patients who have not yet received previous chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The recommended dose for erlotinib is 100mg a day for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Erlotinib should not be taken together with antacid for it will prevent the absorption of the medication. It should be taken at the same time every day and should be taken regularly. The dosage may change depending on the medical condition and response to therapy. Dosage of this medication should not increase without the doctor's approval.

The condition might not improve and increases the risk of serious side effects could increase. It should not come in contact with pregnant women since it is absorbed through the skin. It is best to inform the doctor of all prescription and non- prescription products that the patient is using before taking this medicine. Check all the medications that the patient is taking. Pain reliever and antipyretic drugs increases the risk of stomach bleeding while taking erlonitib. In cases wherein aspirin is required as medication for stroke prevention, it is still safe to ask the doctor's or pharmacist's advise ond whether to continue the medication or lower the dose. Smoking should be avoided because it decreases blood levels when taking of this medication.

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