What can you eat to relieve the side effects of erlotinib?

Erlotinib (Tarceva), as a molecular targeted drug, is mainly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. However, it may cause a series of side effects, such as rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, paronychia, etc. These side effects can be alleviated through dietary modification and medication.

1. Rash: Wear loose, soft, low-cut, cotton clothes, keep your skin clean, and avoid using alkaline soaps and irritating detergents.

For mild rash, Bactroban (mupirocin ointment) or Biafine (trolamine cream) can be applied topically; for moderate rash, compound clindamycin hydrochloride ointment or clindamycin phosphate gel combined with vitamin Aacid cream can be used; for severe rash, doxycycline or minocycline can be taken orally.

2. Diarrhea: Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods, and choose light and easy-to-digest foods, such as soft rice, gruel, bread, etc.

For mild diarrhea, Smecta can be taken orally; for severe diarrhea, Imodium (loperamide) 2 mg can be taken orally, every 2 hours 1 time, until the diarrhea stops 12 hours later. If diarrhea is severe and loperamide is ineffective or dehydration occurs, the dose of Tarceva may need to be reduced or treatment may need to be temporarily discontinued.

3. Nausea and vomiting: Adjust your diet to eat smaller meals more frequently, mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Use antiemetic drugs under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Stomatitis: Pay attention to oral hygiene, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and rinse your mouth promptly after eating. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. You can use ulcer powder locally in the mouth.

5. Paronychia: Avoid putting pressure on the nails and avoid cutting your nails./Toenails are too short and do not wear tight shoes.

For mild paronychia, you can soak your feet in honeysuckle water/Hands, and apply Bactoban or Ristin (fusidic acid) externally. In severe cases, the ingrown toenail can be cut off, the subungual pus accumulated under the nail can be removed, and it can be cleaned with normal saline.