Erlotinib for Pancreatic and Lung Cancer: A first-line Treatment
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Erlotinib 150 mg (Erlotinib Tablet)
The pancreas drips enzymes that help in digestion and secretes hormones required to regulate sugar metabolism. Pancreatic cancer initiates in the pancreatic tissues, but the most predominant type of pancreatic cancer begins in the cell linings of the duct carrying digestive enzymes. Lung Cancer begins at any part of the lungs. There are two major types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer that usually includes causes such as exposure to particular toxins, smoking, and ancestry history. Pancreatic metastases appear in the near end-stage of small cell lung cancer. Though it is rare, the major hazards of these lesions are obstructive jaundice and acute pancreatitis. For treating this pancreatic and lung cancer, Erlotinib 150 mg is used.
The Erlotinib 150 mg is helpful and safe for non-smoker patients to treat advanced Adenocarcinoma.
Erlotinib 150 mg is a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor specified for Non-Small Cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and Pancreatic cancer medication. Erlotinib contains erlotinib hydrochloride, and it is a film-coated tablet. It is prescribed for the first-line therapy of sufferers with locally progressive or metastatic NSCLC (Non-Small Cell lung cancer) with EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) triggering mutations or for the patients with stable ailment after first-line chemotherapy. The Erlotinib price in India is Rs. 2,300/box and Rs. 8,500/bottle.
Victims with locally developed and metastatic non-small lung cancer can take this drug with a combination of gemcitabine as a first-time therapy but only as per the proper prescription.
Usage and Dosage of Erlotinib 150 mg
Erlonat 150 mg or Erlotinib 150 mg is an oral dosage form, it must be consumed by the mouth because it is aimed at having a systematic effect, circulating to the various parts of the body through the bloodstream.
For better effects, it is suggested to be taken at the same time every day, and it can be taken with or without food. Do not try to crush or halve the tablet before swallowing nor chew it swallow it as a whole. Take the medication as directed by the doctor.
Medication should be kept going until the ailment advancement, or incompatible toxicity occurs.
Side effects of Erlotinib tablets
Dry skin, joint and muscle pain, dry eyes or irritation in the eyes or redness, diarrhea (sometimes severe conditions) may occur.
Just keep in mind that your doctor has prescribed this medication by judging the benefits greater than the risk factor of side effects. Several patients dealing with this medication usually do not have severe side effects.
Serious side effects of Erlotinib tablets
Some of the serious side effects of the Erlocip 150 mg includes the following:
- Kidney or Renal problems- change in volume of urine.
- Signs of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, yellowing of skin/urine/eyes, vomiting, and stomach ache.
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or left arm pain
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Signs of dehydration include dizziness, muscle cramps, etc.
- Black stools, easy bleeding, eye pain, optical changes.
Precautions while using Erlotinib tablets
- Pregnant women should avoid Erlotinib 150 mg, and this drug is not suggested while they are breastfeeding.
- Before consuming this drug, be sure you are not having any liver or kidney problems, eyes, stomach bleeding, or any lung or breathing issue.
- If the patient is often smoking cigarettes, they are advised to stop smoking as smoking cigarettes shows reduced drug exposure.
- This Erlotinib 150 mg should not be used in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy.
- Patients are advised to quickly contact their doctor if any signs or symptoms such as redness in the eye, light sensitivity, eye pain, blurred vision, or visual changes are noticed.
As Erlotinib 150 mg comes with certain usefulness and side effects, it should never be used without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.