How should I take Erlotinib?

Erlotinib (Erlotinib) is an oral targeted therapy drug mainly used to treat EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer patients. Correct dosing ensures optimal effectiveness of the drug and reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Here are some suggestions on how to take erlotinib:

1.Follow your doctor's instructions: Before using erlotinib, be sure to consult your doctor and strictly follow your doctor's recommendations and instructions. The doctor will develop a personalized medication plan based on your condition and individual characteristics. Non-small cell lung cancer: 150 mg orally, once daily on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after meals). Until the disease progresses or intolerable toxic side effects occur. Pancreatic cancer is taken orally 100 mg on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after meals), once a day until disease progression or intolerable side effects occur.

2.Take it at the prescribed time: Under normal circumstances, erlotinib should be taken at the prescribed time every day. Make sure you follow your medication exactly as recommended by your doctor.

3.Take the drug on an empty stomach: It is generally recommended to take erlotinib on an empty stomach, usually within about 1 hour after getting up in the morning. Avoid taking with meals to allow for full absorption of the drug and to reduce interactions with food.

4.Do not change the dose: Do not change the dose of the drug unless under the guidance of a doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and condition.

5.Don’t miss taking medicine: If you miss taking medicine for some reason, try to take it as soon as possible after you find out. However, if it is very close to your next dose, do not double your dose to make up for it.

6.Avoid interactions with other drugs: While using erlotinib, avoid using drugs that may interact with it. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, etc.

7.Pay attention to adverse reactions: Erlotinib may cause some adverse reactions, such as skin reactions, nausea, diarrhea, etc. If any discomfort occurs, you should report it to your doctor promptly for appropriate treatment and advice.

8.Regular follow-up visits and testing: During the medication period, the doctor may ask you to undergo regular follow-up visits and testing to monitor the efficacy and adverse reactions of the drug.

Erlotinib has been launched in China and has been included in medical insurance. Patients can purchase it domestically. The domestic price ranges from about 700 to 1,000. The specification is 150mg*7 tablets. Due to different medical insurance policies in different places, the price is also different. Please consult the local pharmacy or medical insurance bureau for details. Erlotinib abroad is mainly an Indian generic drug, with a price of about 900 yuan. The specifications are divided into 100mg*30 tablets and 150mg*30 tablets, which are about four times the domestic specifications, but the price is similar to that in China.