Prescription Required
Description
What is Tarceva used for?
Tarceva is prescribed to treat non-small cell lung or pancreatic cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 90% of lung cancers and is usually found before it can spread to the outer parts of your lung.. This is not a cure for lung cancer, but Tarceva and the generic alternative Erlotinib can slow the growth of the tumor and decrease the cancer cell’s ability to multiply.
You can buy Tarceva (Erlotinib) online at My Drug Center. We have the Tarceva generic, called Erlotinib, available for purchase as well.
How does Tarceva work?
Tarceva comes as a tablet for oral administration, containing the active ingredient Erlotinib, and is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme in the cell that sends growth signals, in cells so the cancer cells can multiply. When taken as directed the Erlotinib dosage in the medication works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slows their spread in the body.
Directions
Before taking Tarceva or the Erlotinib generic, read all the instructions and paper work that given to you by your pharmacist. Take your Tarceva dosage orally once a day on an empty stomach, or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Make sure you take it at the same time each day to create a routine for yourself and to ensure an even spread of the Erlotinib dosage in your system. This medication should be taken on a regular basis to have optimal results. The Tarceva dosage that you take will depend on your condition and your age. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Tarceva can pass into bodily fluids. You or your caregiver should wear rubber gloves when cleaning up urine, feces, vomit, or other bodily fluids from anyone who takes the drug.
Cautions
Tarceva or the Erlotinib generic may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Tarceva. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions especially those relating to lung disease or infection, stomach ulcers, eye problems, liver disease, kidney disease, diverticular disease, or dehydration. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions or unwanted side effects of Erlonitib.
Smoking tobacco may reduce the effectiveness of Tarceva. Let your doctor know if you smoke or use tobacco products before taking this medicine.
Tarceva may cause a skin rash or other skin problems. Exposure to sunlight may increase your odds of developing a rash. Avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight while taking Tarceva. Wear protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses while outdoors.
Side Effects
Common Tarceva side effects include:
Rash, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, mouth sores, dry skin, itching, and cough
Serious Tarceva side effects include:
Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of dehydration (such as extreme thirst, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting), redness/swelling around the nails, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bleeding/bruising, unusual tiredness, eye pain, vision changes.
If any side effects of Erlotinib become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing any side effects. For any serious side effects that occur speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.
FAQs
What is Tarceva?
Tarceva is a medication dedicated towards cancer treatment. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer or pancreatic cancer that may spread to other parts of the body. The medication itself interferes with the growth of the cancer cells and slows down their spread through your body. Tarceva comes in two different strengths which are 100mg and 150mg. And it is available in the brand choice Tarceva, as well as the generic alternative called Erlotinib. If you have any questions regarding this medication, or anything else in general, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-385-8998.
Who makes Tarceva?
This medication is an oral anti-cancer drug that has been developed for medical use by OSI Pharmaceuticals, Astellas Pharma U.S. in partnership with Genentech, and Roche.
How effective is Tarceva?
Patients who have taken their medication as directed have a 66% lower risk of the cancer becoming worse or of death then those that have received chemotherapy. As well as those that took Tarceva had an overall survival time of 22.9 months compared to the 19.5 months of those on chemotherapy.
How to take Tarceva?
Tarceva is taken by mouth, once a day, and without food. It is important to note that you should take this medication at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. Remember to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
What is the cost of Tarceva?
Tarceva is labelled as a Tier 5 medication on Medicare’s formulary. Tier 5, being the highest tier means that it contains the more expensive brand and generic drugs. All of them which may require special handling and close monitoring. And while it is still expensive, Tarceva does have a generic alternative called Erlotinib. Our starting price for this medication is for 30 pills is $917.00.
What are the side effects of Tarceva?
Some of the most common side effects to this medication are as follows; Nausea, Stomach upset, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, mouth sores, dry skin, acne, dry eyes, eye irritation, unusual eyelash growth, or tired feeling. Do keep in mind that not all of the side effects for this medication are listed here, and if you do have any questions or concerns regarding this medication it is best to consult your doctor.
Need Help?
Call Our CareTeam
Our CareTeam Member will guide you to complete your order