Erlotinib

Indications

Cancer

Erlotinib is used as a first-line treatment for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours carry Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations, as detected by testing. It is also used as maintenance treatment for people with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC whose disease has not progressed after four cycles of platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. Erlotinib can be given to people with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after at least one earlier chemotherapy regimen has failed. Doctors also use it as a first-line treatment for locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, where it is given together with gemcitabine.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy category D. Erlotinib's mechanism of action suggests it can harm a developing fetus if taken during pregnancy. Whether Erlotinib passes into human breast milk is not known. Since many medicines do pass into breast milk, and because of the risk of serious side effects in a nursing infant, a decision should be made about whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the medicine, weighing how important it is for the mother's treatment.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: NSCLC: The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib for NSCLC is 150 mg, taken on an empty stomach, that is, at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Treatment should continue until the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Pancreatic Cancer: The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib for pancreatic cancer is 100 mg, taken once daily in combination with gemcitabine. Take Erlotinib on an empty stomach, that is, at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Treatment should continue until the disease progresses or unacceptable toxicity occurs. Reduce Erlotinib in 50 mg decrements if severe reactions occur with concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole, or grapefruit or grapefruit juice) or when used concomitantly with an inhibitor of both CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 (for example, ciprofloxacin). Increase Erlotinib in 50 mg increments as tolerated for concomitant use with CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or St. John's Wort. Increase doses in 50 mg increments at 2 week intervals to a maximum of 450 mg. Avoid concomitant use if possible. Concurrent cigarette smoking: Increase in 50 mg increments at 2 week intervals to a maximum of 300 mg. Immediately reduce the dose of Erlotinib to the recommended dose (150 mg or 100 mg daily) upon cessation of smoking.

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Indications

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Dosage Reference

Side Effects & Interactions

Side Effects

Key Interactions