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Tarceva side effects What you should knowMedically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA — By Jennifer Mitri Williamson, Pharm.D. on September 22, 2022
OverviewTarceva (erlotinib) is a brand-name prescription medication.
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As with other drugs, it can cause side effects. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat certain types of pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer in adults.
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If this medication works for you, you’ll typically take it long term. Here are some fast facts about Tarceva:Active ingredient: erlotinibDrug class: kinase inhibitorDrug form: oral tablet
Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Tarceva.
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For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article. More common side effects of Tarceva
Tarceva can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others.
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These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Tarceva in clinical trials. Keep in mind that the side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.diarrheadecreased appetitecoughskin rash*fatigue*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
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Mild side effects of Tarceva
Mild side effects can occur with Tarceva use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.
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For more information, you can refer to Tarceva’s prescribing information. Mild side effects that have been reported with Tarceva include the following. Keep in mind that the side effects can vary depending on which condition the drug is being used to treat.diarrheadecreased appetitecoughnauseavomitingshortness of breathweaknessskin rash*mild eye problems*fatigue*mild allergic reaction*
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks.
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However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Tarceva and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
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* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below. Serious side effects of Tarceva
Most side effects from Tarceva are mild.
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However, in some cases, severe side effects are possible. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug.
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For more information, you can refer to Tarceva’s prescribing information. If you develop serious side effects while taking Tarceva, call your doctor right away.
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If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:Interstitial lung disease (conditions that cause scarring in the lungs). Symptoms can include:shortness of breathcoughingweight lossKidney failure.
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Symptoms can include:swelling in your legs or feetshortness of breathfatiguenauseaLiver problems, such as liver damage. Symptoms can include:jaundiceabdominal painnauseafatigueGastrointestinal perforation (a tear in the wall of your stomach or intestines). Symptoms can include:abdominal painfevernauseavomitingStroke, which is more likely to occur when taking Tarceva for pancreatic cancer.
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Symptoms can include:weakness or numbness on one side of the bodydifficulty speakingconfusiondizzinessMicroangiopathic hemolytic anemia (a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed within blood vessels). Symptoms can include:fatigueheart palpitationsbleeding more easily than usualSerious skin conditions.*Serious eye problems.*Severe allergic reaction.*† * To learn more, see “Side effect specifics” below. † An allergic reaction is possible after taking Tarceva.
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However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. FAQs about the side effects of Tarceva
Tarceva may cause several side effects.
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Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers. Is hair loss a side effect of Tarceva
No, you should not experience hair loss from taking Tarceva. People taking Tarceva in clinical trials did not report losing their hair.
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However, if you’re taking Tarceva for pancreatic cancer, your doctor will likely prescribe it with another drug called gemcitabine (Gemzar). And gemcitabine may cause hair loss. If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor.
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They can help determine the cause and the best ways to manage it. What side effects should I expect with Tarceva when taking it for lung cancer
Some common side effects reported in adults taking Tarceva for non-small cell lung cancer included skin rash,* diarrhea, cough, and shortness of breath.
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However, it’s important to note that you may experience different side effects of Tarceva. This is why you should be aware of all possible side effects of this medication. If you have any additional questions about what to expect from Tarceva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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* To learn more, see “Side effect specifics” below. Are there long-term side effects of Tarceva
Yes, it’s possible to experience long-term side effects with Tarceva. Most side effects of this medication are mild and typically go away as your body gets used to the drug.
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However, some side effects may continue throughout your treatment with Tarceva and after you stop taking the medication. Examples of these side effects may include:interstitial lung disease (conditions that cause scarring in the lungs)kidney failureliver problems, such as liver damagegastrointestinal perforation (a tear in the wall of your stomach or intestines)stroke, which is more likely to occur when taking Tarceva for pancreatic cancermicroangiopathic hemolytic anemia (a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed within blood vessels)eye problems,* such as dryness
Before you start treatment with Tarceva, your doctor can advise you on what to watch for.
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If you notice any side effects that are bothersome or seem severe, tell them right away. Your doctor can also help address any additional concerns you have about long-term side effects with Tarceva.
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* To learn more, see “Side effect specifics” below. Side effect specifics
Learn more about some of the side effects that Tarceva may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, refer to the prescribing information for Tarceva.
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Skin problems including rash
Tarceva may cause skin problems, including rash. Rash
Rash was one of the most common side effects that people taking Tarceva reported in clinical trials. Most people who developed a rash experienced it right after starting Tarceva treatment or within the first month of taking the drug.
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Symptoms of a rash may include:redness or darkening of the skinitchy skinblisters on the skin
What you can do about a rash
If you develop a rash during Tarceva treatment, tell your doctor. In most cases, rashes are mild. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a rash treatment such as a cream or other medication to ease your symptoms.
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However, in rare cases, a rash due to Tarceva can be serious and possibly life threatening. Your doctor can determine how severe your rash is and the best way to treat it.
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For more information, see “Serious skin conditions” below. Serious skin conditions
In rare cases, Tarceva can cause serious skin conditions, which may be life threatening. These problems include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and a more severe form of SJS called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
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The skin condition TEN involves more of the body than SJS. Symptoms of serious skin conditions can include:blistering or peeling of the skinfeverskin that’s painfulblisters inside your mouth or throat
What you can do about serious skin conditions
If you develop any symptoms of a serious skin condition, you should see your doctor right away.
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They can help treat the condition as soon as possible. In addition, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking Tarceva.
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In this case, they’ll suggest a different treatment option. Eye problems
It’s possible for Tarceva to cause eye problems. In some cases, they may be mild, but other times eye problems can be severe.
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Eye problems were not commonly reported in people taking Tarceva. Examples of eye problems that can occur with Tarceva include:decreased tear productioninflammation of the cornea (transparent covering over your eye)eye drynesseye painlight sensitivityblurry vision or other changes in visioneye redness
What you can do
It’s important to tell your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of eye problems during your treatment with Tarceva.
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In some cases, these symptoms may lead to more serious eye-related side effects, such as tears or ulcers in the cornea. If you develop eye problems while taking Tarceva, your doctor will likely pause your treatment until your condition improves.
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In more severe cases, they may recommend that you switch to a different medication. Fatigue
Fatigue was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of people taking Tarceva.
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Fatigue refers to low energy. Symptoms of fatigue can include:trouble concentratingachy muscleslack of motivationsleepiness during the day
What you can do
If you notice symptoms of fatigue while taking Tarceva, tell your doctor. In rare cases, fatigue may be due to other side effects, such as liver or kidney problems, or microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.
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(With this type of anemia, red blood cells are destroyed within blood vessels.)
Your doctor can help determine what may be causing your fatigue. In addition, they can recommend ways to manage this side effect.
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Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Tarceva can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:skin rashitchingflushingswelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feetswelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, talk with your doctor right away.
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They can recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Tarceva. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Precautions for Tarceva
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Tarceva.
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This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Digestive conditions.
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Before you start taking Tarceva, tell your doctor if you have any digestive conditions, including diverticulitis and stomach ulcers. This medication may increase your risk of developing a tear in the lining of your stomach or intestines.
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If you already have a digestive condition, you may be at an increased risk of this side effect. Your doctor can help determine whether Tarceva is a safe treatment for you. Allergic reaction.
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If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tarceva or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Tarceva. Taking the medication could cause another allergic reaction. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options.
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Kidney problems. Before starting Tarceva treatment, tell your doctor if you have any conditions that affect your kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.
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This medication may increase your risk of kidney problems. If you already have a condition that can affect your kidneys, taking Tarceva may worsen it.
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You may also be at an increased risk of dehydration if you take Tarceva and have kidney problems. Your doctor can help determine whether to prescribe Tarceva. Liver problems.
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Before you start taking Tarceva, tell your doctor if you have any liver problems, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. This medication can increase your risk of liver problems. If you already have a liver condition, taking Tarceva may worsen it.
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In addition, you may be at an increased risk of dehydration if you have a liver condition and take Tarceva. To see whether Tarceva is a possible treatment for you, talk with your doctor.
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Smoking. Before starting treatment with Tarceva, tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking can decrease the level of Tarceva in your body, which may make the drug less effective at treating your cancer.
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In some situations, if you smoke, your doctor may recommend that you avoid smoking during your treatment. In other cases, they may prescribe a higher dose of Tarceva. Alcohol with Tarceva
There aren’t any known interactions between Tarceva and alcohol.
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However, both the medication and alcohol can cause some of the same side effects. So if you take Tarceva and consume alcohol, your risk of the side effects could increase.
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Both alcohol and Tarceva can cause:nauseavomitingliver problems, such as cirrhosis (liver scarring)
If you drink, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether it’s safe for you to consume alcohol during your Tarceva treatment.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Tarceva
You should not take Tarceva during pregnancy. This medication may cause harm to a developing fetus if it’s taken while pregnant. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option for you.
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In addition, it’s not known whether Tarceva is safe to take while breastfeeding or what effects the drug may have on a child who is breastfed. However, due to the possible risks, it’s recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking Tarceva. You should also not breastfeed for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
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If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. You should also talk with them if you’re breastfeeding or considering it. Your doctor can help determine the best treatment option for you.
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When to talk with your doctor
In most cases, side effects from Tarceva are mild. However, it’s possible to develop serious side effects from this drug as well.
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If you develop mild side effects that concern you or any serious ones, discuss them with your doctor. If you’d like to learn more about Tarceva, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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They can help answer any questions you have about side effects of taking the drug. Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:More information about Tarceva.
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For details about other aspects of Tarceva, see this article.Dosage. For information about the dosage of Tarceva, view this article.A look at your condition.
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For details about cancer, visit our cancer hub. For more information about pancreatic cancer, you can refer to our list of related articles.
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If you take Tarceva to treat non-small cell lung cancer, see our lung cancer hub to learn more about the condition. Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.
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You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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Last medically reviewed on September 22, 2022Lung CancerPancreatic CancerCancer / OncologyPharmacy / PharmacistDrugsMedically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA — By Jennifer Mitri Williamson, Pharm.D. on September 22, 2022
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