ERLOTINIB is prescribed to the patients dealing with nonsmall cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Cancer of this type tends to spread quickly in other parts of the body. ERLOTINIB travel through the bloodstream and effectively destroy cancerous cells of the lung, pancreas, and other body parts. ERLOTINIB contains Erlotinib is a ‘tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)’ that stops the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancerous cells. It acts by blocking the abnormal protein’s action that is responsible for the multiplication of cancerous cells. Whenever a new healthy cell is formed, it undergoes a usual process of maturity. Cancerous cells form new cells more quickly, so ERLOTINIB targets cancerous cells and block the action of Tyrosine kinases enzymes (responsible for causing cancer). It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, ERLOTINIB stops the production, spread, and growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Take ERLOTINIB as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take ERLOTINIB as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as abdominal pain, bone pain, breathlessness, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema (swelling), fatigue, fever, infection, muscle pain, nausea, rash, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), vomiting, weight loss abnormal blood tests for the liver function. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking ERLOTINIB for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take ERLOTINIB if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy and breastfeeding as ERLOTINIB causes serious congenital disabilities. Older adults are more sensitive to medicine so that they may adjust the dosage according to the condition. While taking ERLOTINIB, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function and blood cells in the blood while taking ERLOTINIB. Avoid consuming alcohol along with ERLOTINIB as it could lead to increased dizziness.
