What should I do if the side effects of Erlotinib are too great? How to alleviate it?

Erlotinib (Erlotinib) is a targeted therapy drug commonly used to treat malignant tumors such as lung cancer. However, like many drugs, erlotinib may cause a range of side effects that may adversely affect a patient's quality of life. Understanding and taking appropriate steps to mitigate side effects when using erlotinib can help patients better cope with the treatment process. Here are some possible erlotinib side effects and how to relieve them:

1.Skin reactions: Erlotinib may cause dry skin, itching, erythema, pain and other reactions, and may even lead to hand-foot syndrome.

Relief methods: Use gentle skin care products, such as fragrance-free moisturizer, and avoid excessive friction on the skin. Stay well hydrated and avoid extreme temperatures. If you have a serious skin reaction, tell your doctor right away and they may be able to adjust the dose or provide other advice.

2.Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting while taking erlotinib.

Relief methods: Share small and frequent meals and avoid greasy or spicy foods. If nausea continues to be severe, your doctor may recommend medications to control the symptoms.

3.Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the common side effects of erlotinib and may have a great impact on life.

How to relieve: Increase your intake of high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, to help control diarrhea. Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Your doctor may recommend medications to relieve diarrhea symptoms.

4.Fatigue: During erlotinib treatment, patients may feel fatigued.

Relief methods: Balance rest and activity to avoid overexertion. Arranging appropriate physical exercises according to individual circumstances can help improve physical condition. Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.

5.Abnormal liver function: Erlotinib may affect liver function, leading to symptoms such as elevated liver enzymes.

Relief methods: Have regular liver function tests and ensure close monitoring by your doctor. Avoid alcohol and medications to reduce the load on your liver.

6.Eye problems: Some patients may experience problems such as dry eyes, pain, and blurred vision.

Relief method: Use artificial tears to relieve dryness. If serious eye problems occur, you should inform your doctor promptly.

7.Other precautions: When using erlotinib, promptly inform your doctor of other drugs you are taking to avoid drug interactions. At the same time, follow the doctor's advice and treatment plan, and conduct regular follow-up visits to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

In short, erlotinib, as an important anti-cancer drug, may cause side effects, but by actively taking appropriate relief methods, patients can alleviate these discomforts during treatment. It is crucial to maintain close communication with the medical team throughout treatment so that any concerns can be addressed promptly and the treatment plan can be adjusted. If side effects are severe or persistent, be sure to consult your doctor promptly for professional advice and guidance.

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.