Product Details: Tarceva (Erlotinib)

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an anti-tumor medicine used to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after the failure of at least one previous chemotherapy regimen. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. IF NAUSEA, VOMITING, OR LOSS OF APPETITE OCCURS, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for ways to lessen these effects. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, contact your doctor immediately.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR OR LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE SERIOUS, sometimes fatal, lung problems. These problems may be more likely if you have a history of certain lung problems, lung infection, or if you are currently on or have previously had chemotherapy or radiation. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop unexplained shortness of breath, fever, or cough. If you have any questions, contact your doctor. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE stomach bleeding. DAILY USE OF ALCOHOL OR SMOKING TOBACCO while taking this medicine may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you are pregnant. IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU COULD BE PREGNANT, contact your doctor immediately. IF YOU ARE ABLE TO BECOME PREGNANT, use effective birth control while you are taking this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your treatment is complete. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about effective methods of birth control. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, inflammation of the mouth, or dry skin. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting; unexplained shortness of breath or cough; eye redness, irritation, or discharge; fever; unexplained sore throat; black, tarry stools; or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, dizziness, or fainting; changes in vision; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; slurred speech; confusion; or one-sided weakness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Erlotinib