Clinical Overview
Erlotinib Tablets (150mg) is an oral first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR / HER1) tyrosine kinase inhibitor on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It reversibly competes with ATP for binding to the intracellular kinase domain of EGFR harboring activating mutations (exon 19 in-frame deletions or exon 21 L858R point mutations), blocking autophosphorylation and downstream pro-survival RAS/RAF/MAPK signaling. Indicated for first-line and maintenance therapy of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with sensitizing EGFR mutations, and in combination with gemcitabine for locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Verified Clinical References
Usage Guidelines
Take orally once daily on an EMPTY STOMACH: at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food with a full glass of water. Food dramatically increases bioavailability by nearly 100%, leading to severe toxicities. Avoid smoking (cigarette smoke induces CYP1A2, reducing erlotinib plasma levels by >50-60%).
General Administration Advice: Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, frequency, and treatment course. For oral medications, swallow with sufficient water. Never stop antibiotics, psychiatric medications, or antihypertensives abruptly without clinical direction.
Possible Side Effects
Common: Acneiform pustular skin rash (face, chest, back in >75% of patients; rash presence correlates with tumor response), diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, paronychia, dry skin. Rare/Severe: Interstitial lung disease (ILD / pneumonitis), corneal perforation/ulceration, and gastrointestinal perforation.
*Note: Individual physiological responses vary. While many patients experience few or no side effects, notify your treating physician if adverse reactions persist or if hypersensitivity (angioedema, skin rash, dyspnea) occurs.
Precautions & Warnings
Must be taken on an empty stomach. Interrupt or discontinue immediately if acute onset of unexplained dyspnea, cough, and fever occurs (interstitial lung disease can be fatal). Concomitant use of PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole) decreases erlotinib absorption by >50%; space antacids or avoid PPIs. Dose must be increased in active cigarette smokers.
Schedule H (Prescription Required)
This medication is scheduled under statutory drug regulatory frameworks (CDSCO / Drugs & Cosmetics Rules). Dispensing requires a valid medical prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Self-medication or unsupervised dosage adjustment carries significant clinical risks.
Medical Disclaimer: Statutory Clinical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and price-transparency purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, oncological diagnosis, or chemotherapy protocol guidance. Cancer therapies require specialized administration under the direct supervision of a registered medical oncologist in an accredited healthcare facility.