Tarceva monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. Results from two multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, Phase III trials conducted in first-line patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC showed no clinical benefit with the concurrent administration of Tarceva with platinum-based chemotherapy, and its use is not recommended in that setting.

Tarceva is a pill taken by mouth once a day to treat your cancer. Tarceva is used for patients with advanced NSCLC who have received at least one previous chemotherapy regimen that did not work. Take Tarceva at least one hour before or two hours after eating. See similar questions...

Tarceva is an FDA-approved targeted cancer therapy clinically proven to help some NSCLC patients live significantly longer. In addition to improving survival, Tarceva may slow or stop the growth of cancer - and may even shrink the tumors in some patients. Tarceva is convenient to take; it's a pill you take by mouth once a day as prescribed by your doctor. Individual results may vary. Though individual results may vary, Tarceva has been shown to help some patients live longer. See similar questions...

Since food substantially increases the bioavailability of erlotinib and may increase the risk of adverse events, patients should be instructed to take Tarceva at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. The degree that food increases the bioavailability of erlotinib may vary; therefore, Tarceva tablets should be taken on an empty stomach to help ensure that patients obtain consistent plasma levels of the drug. See similar questions...

The following is a partial list of conditions that have been determined to be acceptable indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy by Medicare, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM). It is very important to note that each organization has its own list of approved indications and the following list is a combination of those lists and not an approved list from any one organization listed here. See similar questions...

If a vaginal hysterectomy can be performed in the first place, there would be no point in adding the costs and complications of laparoscopy. Its greatest benefit is the potential to convert what would have been an abdominal hysterectomy into a vaginal hysterectomy. An abdominal hysterectomy requires both a vaginal incision and a four to six inch long incision in the abdomen, which is associated with greater post-operative discomfort and a longer recovery period than for a vaginal procedure. See similar questions...

Tarceva is a targeted cancer treatment. Unlike many traditional chemotherapies, Tarceva affects certain cancer cell activities. Tarceva is designed to block tumor cell growth by targeting the protein in your body called the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1 (HER1/EGFR). This protein is important for tumor cell growth in NSCLC. See similar questions...

If you have locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC and have received at least one chemotherapy regimen that has not worked, you may be a candidate for Tarceva. Speak with your doctor about whether Tarceva is right for you. See similar questions...

Tarceva is approved as monotherapy, meaning it is used without chemotherapy, for second- and third-line treatment of advanced NSCLC patients. This means that your doctor can prescribe Tarceva after one chemotherapy regimen has not worked. See similar questions...

Rash and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with Tarceva. They were generally mild to moderate. In large clinical studies, severe rash occurred in 9% of patients and severe diarrhea occurred in 6% of patients. You may also have other changes in your skin. See similar questions...

A rash may appear on your skin within 8-10 days of starting Tarceva therapy, most likely on your upper body or head. It may look like acne or dry skin, but it is not acne. Avoid acne-related treatments, including products with benzoyl peroxide. Rash is a common reaction to Tarceva. If you get a rash, do not stop taking Tarceva unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Try using a mild soap to wash areas affected by the rash, moisturize the area with a mild lotion and avoid sun exposure. See similar questions...

All drugs have the possibility of causing some side effects. Some rare, but possibly serious, side effects may occur with Tarceva. In large clinical studies, there were infrequent reports of a lung injury known as Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) and have included fatalities. Tarceva may cause liver problems. Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease. Women should also avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding while taking Tarceva. See similar questions...

Patients will need to speak with their insurance provider to determine if Tarceva is covered. Each provider will respond differently. However, Medicare supplemental drug plans do provide coverage for Tarceva for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. See similar questions...

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tarceva for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer on November 18, 2004. For more information see the FDA Approval Letter. See similar questions...

The potent CYP3A4 inhibitor ketoconazole has been shown to increase erlotinib AUC; thus, caution should be used during co-treatment with Tarceva and ketoconazole or other CYP3A4 inhibitors such as, but not limited to: atazanavir, clarithromycin, indinavir, itraconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, troleandomycin (TAO) and voriconazole. See similar questions...

Tarceva has no known contraindications, and its safety profile has been established in more than 2,000 patients in completed clinical trials. In the single-agent NSCLC Phase III trial, the most common side effects-rash and diarrhea-were generally mild to moderate. Each resulted in treatment discontinuation in 1% of Tarceva-treated patients. See similar questions...