IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (er-LOE-tye-nib)
Erlotinib Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat lung cancer. Erlotinib is used after other chemotherapy drugs have not been effective. It works by slowing cancer cell growth.
How To Use Erlotinib Oral
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Do not take erlotinib within 2 hours of taking an antacid (liquid or tablets). Doing so can prevent the absorption of the medication.
Acid-lowering medications for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers (such as prescription or over-the-counter medications including famotidine, omeprazole) may prevent erlotinib from working. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use these medications safely.
Use this medication regularly. Remember to take it at the same time every day. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised June
2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank,
Inc.
