Generic Name: Erlotinib
Class: Antineoplastic Agents
Chemical Name: N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)-quinazolinamine hydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C22H23N3O4•HCl
CAS Number: 183319-69-9
Introduction
Antineoplastic agent; a kinase inhibitor.1
Uses for Tarceva
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that is refractory to at least one prior chemotherapy regimen.1
Combination regimen of erlotinib with carboplatin and paclitaxel or with gemcitabine and cisplatin not effective as first-line therapy† for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer;1 4 5 use in this setting not recommended.1
Pancreatic Cancer
Used in combination with gemcitabine for first-line treatment of locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.1
Tarceva Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally once daily, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after ingestion of food.1
Dosage
Available as erlotinib hydrochloride; dosage expressed in terms of erlotinib.1
Adults
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Second-line or Subsequent Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Oral
150 mg once daily.1 Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs; once disease progression occurs, there is no evidence that continued therapy is beneficial.1 In principal efficacy study, therapy was continued for a median of 9.6 weeks.2
Pancreatic Cancer
First-line Therapy of Locally Advanced, Unresectable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Oral
100 mg once daily, in combination with gemcitabine (1 g/m2 IV once weekly [for 7 consecutive weeks of an 8-week cycle and thereafter for 3 consecutive weeks of a 4-week cycle]).1 Continue therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.1
Dosage Modification for Toxicity
When dosage reduction is required, reduce dosage in 50-mg decrements.1
Pulmonary Toxicity
Interrupt therapy pending diagnostic evaluation upon acute onset of new or progressive pulmonary manifestations.1 Discontinue if interstitial lung disease is diagnosed.1 (See Pulmonary Toxicity under Cautions.)
Dehydration and/or Renal Toxicity
Interrupt therapy and take appropriate measures to intensively rehydrate patient if dehydration occurs, particularly in patients at risk for renal failure.1 (See Renal Failure under Cautions.)
Hepatic Toxicity
Consider interruption of therapy or dosage reduction with frequent monitoring of liver function tests if worsening of liver function test results occurs; consider such action before severe changes in test results occur.1
Interrupt or discontinue therapy if severe changes in liver function test results occur in patients with normal hepatic function prior to treatment.1 8 (See Hepatic Toxicity under Cautions.)
Discontinue therapy if hepatic failure occurs.1
GI Toxicity
Permanently discontinue therapy if GI perforation occurs.1 10
Consider dosage reduction or temporary interruption of therapy if severe diarrhea (unresponsive to loperamide or resulting in dehydration) occurs.1
Dermatologic Toxicity
Interrupt or discontinue therapy if severe bullous, blistering, or exfoliative reaction occurs.1 10
Ocular Toxicity
Interrupt or discontinue therapy if acute or worsening ocular toxicity (e.g., eye pain) occurs.1 10
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
Consider interruption or discontinuance of therapy if severe adverse effects occur.1 (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)
Geriatric Patients
No dosage adjustment required.1
Cautions for Tarceva
Contraindications
No known contraindications according to manufacturer.1
Warnings/Precautions
Pulmonary Toxicity
Serious, sometimes fatal, interstitial lung disease-like events reported, usually developing between 5 days to >9 months (median: 39 days) after initiating therapy.1 Often associated with concomitant or prior chemotherapy, prior radiotherapy, preexisting parenchymal lung disease, metastatic lung disease, or pulmonary infections.1
If acute onset of new or progressive pulmonary manifestations (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever) occurs, interrupt therapy pending diagnostic evaluation.1 If interstitial lung disease is diagnosed, discontinue erlotinib and institute appropriate treatment.1
Renal Failure
Hepatorenal syndrome or acute renal failure, sometimes fatal, and renal insufficiency, with or without hypokalemia, have been reported.1 Risk factors include baseline hepatic impairment; severe dehydration caused by diarrhea, vomiting, and/or anorexia; and concurrent chemotherapy.1
If dehydration occurs, interrupt erlotinib therapy and initiate intensive rehydration measures, particularly in patients at risk for renal failure (e.g., those with preexisting renal disease, medical conditions or drugs that may lead to renal disease, or other predisposing conditions such as advanced age).1
Periodically monitor renal function and serum electrolytes in patients at risk of dehydration.1
Hepatic Toxicity
Hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome, sometimes fatal, have occurred, particularly in patients with hepatic impairment prior to treatment.1 (See Hepatic Impairment under Cautions.)
Periodically monitor liver function tests (i.e., serum transaminase, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations).1 In patients with worsening liver function test results, consider interruption of therapy or dosage reduction with frequent monitoring of liver function tests before changes become severe.1 If liver function changes are severe (e.g., total bilirubin >3 times ULN and/or serum aminotransferase concentrations >5 times ULN in patients with normal pretreatment values), interrupt or discontinue therapy.1 If hepatic failure occurs, discontinue therapy.1
GI Perforation
GI perforation, sometimes fatal, has occurred.1 10 Often associated with history of peptic ulcer disease or diverticulitis and concomitant therapy with antiangiogenesis drugs, corticosteroids, NSAIAs, and/or taxane-based chemotherapy.1 10 If perforation occurs, permanently discontinue therapy.1 10
Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders
Bullous, blistering, and exfoliative skin reactions, including cases suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, have occurred; sometimes fatal.1 10 If such reactions are severe, interrupt or discontinue therapy.1 10
Myocardial Infarction/Ischemia
Among patients receiving erlotinib and gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer in a randomized trial, 6 patients (2.3%) experienced myocardial infarction/ischemia; one of these patients died.1
Cerebrovascular Accident
Among patients receiving erlotinib and gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer in a randomized trial, 6 patients (2.3%) experienced cerebrovascular accidents, including one fatal hemorrhagic stroke.1
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia with Thrombocytopenia
Among patients receiving erlotinib and gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer in a randomized trial, 2 patients (0.8%) developed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia.1
Corneal Ulceration or Perforation
Corneal ulceration and perforation reported.1 10 Abnormal eyelash growth (e.g., ingrowing eyelashes, excessive growth, thickening of eyelashes), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (i.e., dry eye), and keratitis also reported and are potential risk factors for corneal ulceration or perforation.1 10 If acute or worsening ocular toxicity (e.g., eye pain) occurs, interrupt or discontinue therapy.1 10
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
May cause fetal harm; embryolethality demonstrated in animals.1 Avoid pregnancy during therapy.1 (See Advice to Patients.) If used during pregnancy, apprise of potential fetal hazard or risk for loss of the pregnancy.1
Rash
Rash reported frequently.1 Median time to onset is 8–10 days.1 Typically is erythematous and maculopapular; may resemble acne with follicular pustules but is histopathologically different.1 Commonly occurs on the face, upper chest, and back, but may be more generalized or severe (grade 3 or 4) with desquamation.1 (See Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders under Cautions.)
Based on severity, management may include use of topical corticosteroids or topical anti-infectives with anti-inflammatory properties.1 (See Advice to Patients.) Dosage reduction or drug discontinuance required in some patients.1
Diarrhea
Diarrhea frequently reported, including grade 3/4 diarrhea.1 Median time to onset is 12–15 days.1
Manage diarrhea with loperamide.1 If diarrhea becomes severe and is unresponsive to loperamide or results in dehydration, consider reducing erlotinib dosage or temporarily interrupting therapy.1
Elevated INR and Bleeding
Increased INR and infrequent bleeding (including GI and non-GI bleeding) reported; some of these patients were receiving concomitant warfarin or NSAIA therapy.1 (See Interactions.)
Therapy Monitoring
Periodically monitor liver function tests (i.e., serum transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase).1
Periodically monitor renal function and serum electrolytes in patients at risk of dehydration.1
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category D.1 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)
Lactation
Not known whether distributed into milk.1 Discontinue nursing or the drug because of potential risk to nursing infants.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <18 years of age.1 2
Geriatric Use
In clinical trial of erlotinib monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer, no overall differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.1
In clinical trial for pancreatic cancer, survival benefit for erlotinib/gemcitabine versus placebo/gemcitabine was less clear in geriatric patients; no meaningful differences in safety or pharmacokinetics relative to younger adults.1
Hepatic Impairment
Use with caution since erlotinib undergoes hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion;1 extreme caution advised in patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN).1 8 Close monitoring required in patients with total bilirubin exceeding ULN or Child-Pugh class A, B, or C.1 8 (See Special Populations under Pharmacokinetics.)
If worsening of liver dysfunction occurs, consider interruption of therapy or dosage reduction accompanied by frequent monitoring of liver function tests before changes in liver function become severe.1 If severe changes in liver function test results (e.g., doubling of bilirubin, tripling of serum aminotransferase concentrations) occur in patients with hepatic dysfunction prior to treatment, interrupt or discontinue therapy.1 8
Renal Impairment
Safety and efficacy not established.1
Common Adverse Effects
Erlotinib monotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: Rash,1 diarrhea,1 anorexia,1 fatigue,1 dyspnea,1 cough,1 nausea,1 infection,1 vomiting,1 stomatitis,1 pruritus,1 dry skin,1 conjunctivitis,1 keratoconjunctivitis sicca,1 abdominal pain.1
Erlotinib and gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer: Fatigue,1 rash,1 nausea,1 anorexia,1 diarrhea,1 abdominal pain,1 vomiting,1 decreased weight,1 infection,1 edema,1 pyrexia,1 constipation.1
Interactions for Tarceva
Extensively metabolized by CYP isoenzymes, principally CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2.1
Drugs and Foods Affecting Hepatic Microsomal Enzymes
Inhibitors of CYP3A4: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma erlotinib concentrations).1 Caution when used concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors.1 Consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur.1 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased plasma erlotinib concentrations).1 Consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur.1 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Inducers of CYP3A4: Potential pharmacokinetic interaction (increased erlotinib clearance, resulting in decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations).1 Avoid concomitant use.1 If concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if the CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to the recommended starting dosage.1 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Drugs Affecting Gastric Acidity
Pharmacokinetic interaction (decreased solubility and reduced oral bioavailability of erlotinib) with drugs that increase pH of upper GI tract (e.g., proton-pump inhibitors, histamine H2-receptor antagonists).1 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Specific Drugs and Foods
Drug or Food | Interaction | Comments |
---|---|---|
Antacids | Effect of antacids on erlotinib disposition not established1 | Although effects on erlotinib not established, antacids may be considered as an alternative to histamine H2-receptor antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors; if use is necessary, separate antacid dose and erlotinib dose by several hours1 |
Antifungals, azoles (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole) | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations; ketoconazole increased erlotinib AUC1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Antimycobacterials, rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine) | Possible decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 Rifampin increased erlotinib clearance, resulting in decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if the rifamycin is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 Maximum erlotinib dose studied in combination with rifampin: 450 mg1 |
Carbamazepine | Possible decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if carbamazepine is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 |
Cigarette smoking | Decreased systemic exposure to erlotinib1 | Advise patients to stop smoking1 If patient continues to smoke, consider increasing erlotinib dose (maximum 300 mg) with close monitoring; efficacy and safety of dosages exceeding the recommended starting dosage not established in smokers beyond 14 days1 Upon cessation of smoking, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 |
Ciprofloxacin | Increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Clarithromycin | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Gemcitabine | Pharmacokinetic interaction unlikely1 | |
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Histamine H2-receptor antagonists | Decreased solubility and oral bioavailability of erlotinib1 | Antacids may be considered as an alternative, but effect on erlotinib disposition not studied1 (see antacids entry in table) |
HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir) | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Midazolam | Decreased systemic exposure to midazolam1 | |
Nefazodone | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Phenobarbital | Possible decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if phenobarbital is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 |
Phenytoin | Possible decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if phenytoin is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 |
Proton-pump inhibitors | Decreased solubility and oral bioavailability of erlotinib1 | If possible, avoid concomitant use1 Increasing erlotinib dosage is not likely to compensate for the decrease in systemic exposure; separation of doses may not eliminate the interaction because of prolonged effect of proton-pump inhibitors on gastric pH1 Antacids may be considered as an alternative, but effect on erlotinib disposition not studied1 (see antacids entry in table) |
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Possible decreased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Avoid concomitant use; if concomitant use cannot be avoided, consider increasing erlotinib dosage as tolerated at 2-week intervals with close monitoring; if St. John's wort is discontinued, immediately reduce erlotinib dosage to recommended starting dosage1 |
Telithromycin | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Troleandomycin | Possible increased plasma erlotinib concentrations1 | Use concomitantly with caution; consider reducing erlotinib dosage if severe adverse effects occur1 |
Warfarin or other coumarin-derivative anticoagulants | Increased INR and possible bleeding (including GI and non-GI bleeding)1 2 | Monitor PT or INR regularly1 |
Tarceva Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Approximately 60% absorbed from the GI tract.1
Peak plasma concentrations occur at 4 hours following oral administration.1
Food
Presence of food in the GI tract increases oral bioavailability to almost 100%.1
Distribution
Plasma Protein Binding
Approximately 93% (mainly to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein).1
Elimination
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized by CYP isoenzymes, principally CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2.1
Elimination Route
Excreted mainly as metabolites in feces (83%) via biliary excretion and in urine (8%).1
Half-life
Approximately 36 hours.1
Special Populations
Clearance rate is approximately 24% higher in smokers.1
Although erlotinib is eliminated mainly by the liver, systemic exposure was not substantially altered in patients with Child-Pugh class B hepatic impairment relative to those with adequate hepatic function (including individuals with primary liver cancer or hepatic metastases).1
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C).1
ActionsActions
Antineoplastic agent; a kinase inhibitor.1
Exact mechanism of antineoplastic activity not fully elucidated.1 Appears to inhibit intracellular phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is expressed on the surface of normal and cancer cells.1 Specificity with regard to other tyrosine kinase receptors not fully characterized.1
Advice to Patients
Risk of adverse pulmonary, dermatologic, GI, or ocular effects.1 Importance of seeking medical advice promptly if the following manifestations occur: new onset or exacerbation of unexplained shortness of breath or cough; onset or exacerbation of rash; severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, anorexia, or vomiting; or ocular pain or irritation.1
Importance of skin care (e.g., alcohol-free emollient cream, use of sunscreen or avoidance of sun exposure), to minimize the risk of skin reactions; avoidance of acne preparations with drying properties, which may aggravate dry skin and erythema.1
Advise smokers to stop smoking; smoking may reduce efficacy of erlotinib.1 (See Specific Drugs and Foods under Interactions.)
Importance of women using an effective method of contraception during and for at least 2 weeks after discontinuance of therapy.1 If pregnancy occurs, advise patient of risk to the fetus.1
Importance of women informing clinicians if they plan to breast-feed.1
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs and herbal supplements, as well as any concomitant illnesses.1
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets | 25 mg (of erlotinib) | Tarceva | Genentech |
100 mg (of erlotinib) | Tarceva | Genentech | ||
150 mg (of erlotinib) | Tarceva | Genentech |
Comparative Pricing
This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 03/2011. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.
Tarceva 100MG Tablets (GENENTECH): 30/$4153.17 or 90/$12258.63
Tarceva 150MG Tablets (GENENTECH): 30/$4721.64 or 90/$13865.33
Tarceva 25MG Tablets (GENENTECH): 30/$1523.87 or 90/$4454.7
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions October 2009. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
† Use is not currently included in the labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
References
1. Genentech. Tarceva (erlotinib) tablets prescribing information. South San Francisco, CA; 2009 Apr.
2. Genentech, South San Francisco, CA: Personal communication.
3. Shepherd FA, Pereira J, Ciuleanu TE et al. Erlotinib in previously treated non-small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005; 353: 123-32.
4. Herbst RS, Prager D, Hermann R et al. TRIBUTE: a phase III trial of erlotinib hydrochloride (OSI-774) combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2005; 23:5892-9. [PubMed 16043829]
5. Gatzemeier U, Pluzanska A, Szczesna A et al. Phase III study of erlotinib in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: the Tarceva Lung Cancer Investigation Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2007; 25:1545-52. [PubMed 17442998]
6. Moore MJ, Goldstein D, Hamm J et al. Erlotinib plus gemcitabine compared with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: a phase III trial of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. J Clin Oncol. 2007; 25:1960-6. [PubMed 17452677]
7. Makris D, Scherpereel A, Copin MC et al. Fatal interstitial lung disease associated with oral erlotinib therapy for lung cancer. BMC Cancer. 2007; 7:150. [PubMed 17683587]
8. Witt K, Barron H. Dear healthcare provider letter: important safety information regarding the use of Tarceva (erlotinib) in patients with hepatic impairment and other safety-related updates. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech/Melville, NY: OSI Pharmaceuticals; 2008 Sep.
10. Witt K, Barron H. Dear healthcare provider letter: important safety information regarding GI perforations, serious skin toxicity, and ocular disorders with the use of Tarceva (erlotinib). South San Franciso, CA: Genentech/Melville, NY: OSI Pharmaceuticals; 2009 Apr.
More Tarceva resources
- Tarceva Side Effects (in more detail)
- Tarceva Dosage
- Tarceva Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Tarceva Drug Interactions
- Tarceva Support Group
- 11 Reviews for Tarceva - Add your own review/rating
- Tarceva Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Tarceva Consumer Overview
- Tarceva Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Tarceva MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Erlotinib Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Tarceva with other medications
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Renal Cell Carcinoma