«Erlotinib» is a cancer drug that blocks the EGFR protein.

When prescribed:

• In the first stage of lung cancer treatment with an EGFR gene mutation, when the tumor has spread to other tissues or metastasized (stage IIIB–IV);
• To support the treatment of lung cancer if the disease does not progress after four courses of platinum-based chemotherapy;
• For lung cancer if the previous chemotherapy regimen did not work;
• In the first line of treatment for pancreatic cancer, together with gemcitabine.

Dosage:

The dose is selected individually. The drug is taken once a day, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Possible side effects:

• Digestive problems: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, bleeding in the stomach and intestines;
• Decreased appetite, liver problems;
• Headache, neuropathy, depression;
• Fatigue, infections, fever, chills;
• Weight loss.

Do not take:

• If you have serious liver problems (more than 10 points on the Child-Pugh scale);
• If you have severe kidney problems;
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• If you are a child or teenager under 18 years of age;
• If you are allergic to erlotinib.

Important:

You should use reliable contraceptive methods during treatment and for at least two weeks after treatment.