Erlotinib Chemotherapy

 

Erlotinib is the generic name of drug Tarceva ®. Erlotinib is a Target Therapy which affects the cancer cells directly causing least harm to other normal cells. Erlotinib targets the Epidermal Growth Factor proteins present on the surface of cancer cells thus harming the oncogenic cells only and excluding the normal cells.

What does Erlotinib Cure?

Erlotinib drug is used for treating both a regional and profuse Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer treatment using Target Therapy is a new mechanism thus it is more fructifying if given in combination with chemotherapy, radiations or surgery.

How is Erlotinib Chemotherapy Given?

Erlotinib is given as an oral medicine to be consumed with water. One must be precarious to take the tablet at least one hour after and two hours before eating. The quantity and the dose of Erlotinib to be administered depend on the physical attributes of a patient like his height and weight and the size or extent of the tumor.

Side Effects of Erlotinib Chemotherapy

Use of Erlotinib drug could cause some unusual reactions in the body. However, one should not be wary of this as these side effects subside once the treatment is over. Some common side effects of Erlotinib include:

  1. Skin rashes

  2. Diarrhea
  3. Weak appetite
  4. Fatigue and tiredness
  5. Difficult breathing
  6. Cough emission
  7. Nausea and sickness

Though, all the above mentioned side effects do not sound alarming. One must immediately consult their health care practitioner to avoid these ailments.

Some self care tips elaborated below could help the patients to keep away from these unusual symptoms. These are:

  1. When consumed orally this pill should be taken at least one hour after and two hours before eating

  2. One should be careful to take more liquid diet
  3. People must take short meals more frequently in a day
  4. One’s diet must be rich in fibrous content
  5. Daub your skin continuously with a moisturizer while going out this must be followed even in a cloudy day to avoid dry and gritty skin

While the information drawn above is good for health education and awareness one must consult their medical practitioner in case of any unusual symptoms or discomfort.