Erlotinib for Lung Cancer

Overview
Erlotinib is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is specifically used in those whose tumors have EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. It can be administered as a first-line treatment, maintenance therapy, or for individuals who have experienced progression following at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. 

Erlotinib is a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking the action of a protein called EGFR, which is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting this protein, erlotinib slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells in patients with NSCLC that have specific EGFR mutations.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that erlotinib is taken orally in tablet form, once daily, on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after a meal). It is important to take the drug exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of erlotinib include rash, diarrhea, anorexia (loss of appetite), fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath), cough, nausea, and vomiting.

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease (inflammation of the lung tissue), renal failure (kidney failure), hepatotoxicity (liver damage), gastrointestinal perforations (holes in the stomach or intestines), bullous and exfoliative skin disorders (severe skin reactions), cerebrovascular accident (stroke), microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (a type of anemia due to red blood cell destruction), ocular disorders (eye issues such as corneal perforation or ulcers), hemorrhage in individuals taking warfarin or similar anticoagulants, and embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an embryo, fetus, or unborn infant). 

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Label: Erlotinib — Erlotinib Hydrochloride Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Erlotinib — Drugs.com