Erlotinib: a practical guide for patients and caregivers
Erlotinib is an oral cancer drug that blocks EGFR — a protein some tumors use to grow. Doctors most often prescribe it for EGFR-positive non‑small cell lung cancer and sometimes with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer. If your oncologist mentioned erlotinib, this page gives clear, useful tips on how it works, how to take it, and what to watch for.
How erlotinib works and who it's for
Erlotinib targets tumor cells that rely on the EGFR pathway. That means it usually helps when tumor testing shows an EGFR mutation. Your doctor will order that test first for lung cancer. For pancreatic cancer, erlotinib may be combined with gemcitabine in specific cases. Your care team decides if erlotinib fits your treatment plan based on tests, overall health, and previous treatments.
Taking erlotinib safely: dosage, common side effects, and interactions
Typical dosing for lung cancer is 150 mg once daily; for pancreatic cancer regimens a lower dose may be used. Take erlotinib on an empty stomach — usually at least one hour before or two hours after a meal — unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Swallow the tablet whole with water. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day; don’t double up the next day.
Common side effects are a skin rash and diarrhea. The rash often appears on the face, chest, or upper back and can look like acne. Moisturize daily, avoid harsh soaps, and use sunscreen — sun makes the rash worse. For diarrhea, drink fluids and consider loperamide if approved by your care team. If side effects are severe or don't respond to simple measures, contact your oncologist — they may pause treatment or lower the dose.
There are a few important interactions and lifestyle points to know. Smoking speeds up erlotinib breakdown, which can lower its effect — quitting or reducing smoking helps. Acid‑reducing drugs like proton pump inhibitors can cut erlotinib absorption; ask your doctor or pharmacist before using these. Many common medicines that affect the CYP3A4 enzyme can increase or decrease erlotinib levels, so always review new drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies with your care team.
Routine monitoring includes checkups for skin, digestive symptoms, and liver tests. Also report new or worsening breathing problems right away — a rare but serious lung inflammation can occur. Before starting, confirm EGFR mutation status and discuss goals of treatment, expected benefits, and possible side effects with your oncologist.
Practical tips: keep a daily pill chart, protect skin from sun, carry oral rehydration or electrolyte drinks for diarrhea, and keep a current list of all medicines for every clinic visit. Ask your team about support services like a nurse line or a pharmacist consult if you have questions about interactions or side effect care.
Want help preparing for a clinic visit? Note any new cough, shortness of breath, severe diarrhea, or a painful skin infection and bring a medication list. Your team will help adjust treatment so erlotinib works as safely as possible for you.
