Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, and Tarceva is one of these drugs. Tarceva is the brand name for the generic drug erlotinib and was approved for use in 2004. It can be used to treat different kinds of cancers and comes in dosages of 25 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg, according to chemocare.com.
Classification
Tarceva is a targeted therapy, which means it has been engineered to focus on specific features of cancer cells, thus killing the cancer cells while doing less harm to normal healthy cells. This medication works on a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor, or EGFR, which helps cancer cells grow. Tarceva helps block an enzyme in the cell, tyrosine kinase, that works with the EGFR and keep it from telling the cell to multiply and grow, according to the American Cancer Society and chemocare.com.
Indications
According to chemocare.com, Tarceva is used to help treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that has not responded to at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. It is also used to treat locally advanced, metastatic or inoperable pancreatic cancer.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Tarceva can include a rash on the skin on the face or neck, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Other possible side effects the American Cancer Society lists include shortness of breath, mouth sores, fever, itching and dry skin. The medication may also cause changes in your liver enzymes; your doctor will monitor your liver function while you are being treated with Tarceva to make sure your liver is working properly.
Drug Interactions
Some medications, when taken with Tarceva, can increase the amount of this drug in the body and cause dangerous side effects. The American Cancer Society lists these medications as including the brand name antidepressants Serzone and Luvox, antibiotics like Cipro and Biaxin, and several HIV drugs. Drugs that decrease the amount of Tarceva in the blood and make it less effective include Tegretol, Dilantin and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort.
Warning
Tarceva might not be appropriate for everyone; some medical conditions and allergies can increase the risk of adverse side effects of the drug, or the dose and schedule of the medication might have to be altered. This medication may cause harm to a developing fetus, so it is best to let your doctor know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
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