Uses / Indications:
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), especially in people with certain EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) mutations.
Cancer of the pancreas
It is usually given alongside Gemcitabine to people with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
If an oncologist prescribes it, it may also be used off-label for other tumors that have too much EGFR.
Pregnancy interaction:
Taking Erlocip 100mg Tablet while pregnant is not safe.
Erlotinib can hurt the growing fetus and may cause birth abnormalities or the loss of the pregnancy.
Women who could get pregnant must take effective birth control during therapy and for at least two weeks following the final dosage.
Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant while taking Erlocip.
Nursing:
Not a good idea.
Erlotinib could get into breast milk and hurt the infant very badly.
You shouldn't breastfeed while you're on the medicine or for at least two weeks after you finish using it.
Expert advice:
Do not change the dose or stop taking Erlocip without talking to your oncologist.
For the best absorption, don't eat anything before or after taking it.
Don't drink grapefruit juice or smoke, as these can make Erlocip less effective.
Drink a lot of water to avoid getting dehydrated, especially if you have diarrhea.
If you get a rash, have trouble seeing, or have trouble breathing, tell your doctor right away. Early treatment stops issues from getting worse.
Erlocip can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so stay out of the sun or apply sunscreen.
During treatment, check your liver function, lung function, and electrolyte levels on a regular basis.
Women who are getting treatment must use effective birth control during and for two weeks after treatment.
Side Effects:
Diarrhea
Not wanting to eat
Tiredness or weakness
Feeling sick and throwing up
Ulcers in the mouth
Eyes that are dry or irritated
Serious Side Effects
Severe skin responses, like blisters, peeling, or pain
Breathing problems or a cough that is getting worse or starting up (potential lung inflammation)
Problems with the liver (eyes and skin turning yellow, urine turning dark)
Bleeding in the stomach and intestines (black or bloody feces)
Eye problems (pain, redness, alterations in vision)
⚕️ If you have a severe rash, diarrhea that won't go away, or trouble breathing, get medical care right away.
How to use:
Dosage: As directed by the doctor, usually 100 mg or 150 mg once a day, depending on the type of cancer and how well the patient can handle it.
How to give it:
You should take the tablet on an empty stomach, either an hour before or two hours after eating.
Do not crush, chew, or break; just swallow it whole with water.
Take it at the same time every day to keep your blood levels stable.
Missed Dose:
If it's almost time for the next dose, don't take the missed one.
Don't take two doses to make up for one you missed.
Too much:
Rash, diarrhea, and vomiting that are really bad.
Get medical help right away.
How it works:
Erlotinib stops cancer cells from growing by inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that is on their surface.
EGFR makes cells grow and divide. Erlocip stops tumor cells from growing and spreading by inhibiting this receptor.
It only works on cancer cells that have EGFR mutations, so it is a targeted therapy instead of regular chemotherapy.
Faq for medicine:
1. What is the purpose of Erlocip 100mg?
People with EGFR mutations typically use it to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer.
2. Is Erlocip a medicine used in chemotherapy?
It is not typical chemotherapy; it is a targeted cancer treatment. It only stops EGFR receptors on cancer cells.
3. Is Erlocip a cancer treatment?
Erlocip doesn't cure cancer, but it can help slow the disease's course, decrease tumors, and increase the chances of survival.
4. For how long should I take Erlocip 100mg Tablet?
Keep going for as long as your oncologist tells you to. The length of time depends on how well you respond to the treatment and how well you can handle it.
5. What should I do if I throw up after taking Erlocip?
Don't take another dose. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take the next dose at the same time as always.
6. Can Erlocip make you break out?
Yes, a mild to moderate rash that looks like acne is frequent and may mean that the medicine is working. Tell your doctor so they can provide you the right skin care advice.
7. Is it okay to eat while taking Erlocip?
No. For the optimum absorption, take it on an empty stomach.
8. Is it okay to smoke while taking Erlocip?
No. Smoking lowers the amount of Erlocip in the blood, which makes it less effective.
9. What should I do if I get diarrhea while I'm getting treatment?
Tell your doctor and drink fluids often. You might need to take anti-diarrheal drugs or change your dose.
10. Is it okay to drive while taking Erlocip?
Don't drive or use machinery if you feel tired, dizzy, or your eyesight is blurry.
Medicine interaction:
Erlocip (Erlotinib) might not work well with these drugs:
Big Interactions
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Omeprazole, Pantoprazole): They make Erlocip less effective by lowering its absorption.
H2 blockers like ranitidine and famotidine have the same effect. If you have to, space out the doses.
Antacids: They make it harder to absorb. Take Erlocip 4 hours before or 2 hours after antacids.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (such Ketoconazole and Clarithromycin) raise blood levels, which can cause greater negative effects.
CYP3A4 inducers (Rifampicin, Phenytoin) lower medication levels, which makes them less effective.
Warfarin: May raise the risk of bleeding, therefore check your INR often.
Smoking lowers the amount of Erlocip in the blood, so don't smoke while you're getting treatment.
⚕️ Always tell your doctor about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you take.
