This is an automatically translated article.
Erlova belongs to the group of anti-cancer drugs and affects the immune system, used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Patients can refer to how to use Erlova through the article below.
1. What is Erlova?
Erlova drug is prepared in the form of film-coated tablets, with the main ingredient being Erlotinib (in the form of Erlotinib hydrochloride) with the content of 25mg and other excipients just enough for 1 tablet. Erlotinib is a potent inhibitor of intracellular phosphorylation of HER1/EGFR, which is expressed on the surface of both normal and cancer cells. From the inhibition of EGFR phosphotyrosine will cause inhibition and / or cause cell death, so it is effective in the treatment of cancer pathology.
2. What are the effects of Erlova?
Erlova is used to treat the following cases:
Non-small cell lung cancer; Pancreatic Cancer . Patients should not use Erlova in case of hypersensitivity to Erlotinib or any other ingredient of the drug.
3. Dosage and usage of Erlova
Erlotinib should be used under the direction and close monitoring by a specialist.
Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC):
EGFR mutation should be evaluated prior to initiating erlotinib treatment in chemotherapy-nave individuals with advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The recommended dose is 150mg/day, taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Treatment of pancreatic cancer:
Recommended dose of 100mg/day, taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating, in combination with gemcitabine. In patients who do not develop a rash during the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment, the erlotinib regimen should be reevaluated. When it is necessary to adjust the dose, the dose should be gradually reduced by 50mg each time. Dose adjustment may be necessary when co-administered with substrates or agents that affect CYP3A4. Hepatic Impairment: Erlotinib is metabolised by the liver and excreted in the bile and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. The drug is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Patients with renal impairment:
The safety and efficacy of erlotinib have not been studied in patients with renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Not recommended for use in patients with severe renal impairment. The use of erlotinib in children and adolescents is not recommended.
4. Erlova side effects
When using Erlova, patients may experience some of the following undesirable effects:
The most common side effects are rash and diarrhea, but are usually mild and moderate, and can be controlled. no intervention required. Gastrointestinal bleeding may occur when used with the anticoagulant warfarin or NSAIDs. Abnormal liver function tests: Increased liver enzymes AST, ALT. Eye disorders: Corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis. Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Nosebleeds, tumors, interstitial pneumonia. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Rash (erythema-like, pustular), which may occur or worsen on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Blistering, bullous, exfoliative, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Other hair and nail changes are mostly non-serious, hirsutism, eyelash/eyebrow changes, periungitis, brittle and brittle nails. When using Erlova, if the patient experiences any serious side effects, stop taking the drug and contact the treating doctor or medical facility for timely handling.
5. Interactions with Erlova . drugs
When used in combination, Erlova may interact with some of the following drugs:
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors reduce the metabolism of erlotinib, increase blood levels of the drug, which may lead to increased drug toxicity. Strong inducers of CYP3A4 increase the metabolism of erlotinib, reducing blood concentrations of erlotinib. Thereby reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. The solubility of Erlotinib is pH dependent, with solubility decreasing with increasing pH. Therefore, drugs that alter gastrointestinal pH (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers and antacids) may alter the solubility and bioavailability of the drug. Co-administration with anticoagulants may prolong prothrombin time, increasing the risk of bleeding.
6. Notes and cautions when using Erlova
When using Erlova, it is necessary to be careful about the following issues:
In case of severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting causing dehydration, the drug should be discontinued and appropriate treatment measures taken. It is necessary to monitor the patient's liver function while taking Erlova. Smoking reduces the concentration of erlotinib in the blood by 50 - 60%. Therefore, it is not recommended to smoke while using the drug Erlova. The safety of Erlova has not been established for use in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should use contraception while taking Erlova and for at least 2 weeks after treatment ends. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk, therefore breast-feeding is not recommended while taking this medicine. Effects on the ability to drive or use machines have not been established. Above is all information about Erlova drug, patients need to carefully read the instructions for use, consult a doctor / pharmacist before using. Note, Erlova is a prescription drug, patients absolutely must not buy and treat at home because they may experience unwanted side effects.
