Erlonat is a medicine that is used to treat non small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and other kinds of cancer.

How it works?

This anti-cancer drug works by blocking the action of abnormal protein to slow down the growth of cancer cells in the body and this helps slow down or stop the cancer cells from spreading in other parts of the body.

Important information about Medicine

Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor and is used to combination with gemcitabine to treat cancer. This medicine is prescribed for the patients receiving 2^nd or 3^rd line of treatment after at least one round of chemotherapy.

Dosage information

The dosage would depend on the condition of the patient and the type of cancer being treated. Patients need to take this medicine 2 to 3 hours before or after the meals.

Strengths available

Erlonat tablets are available in two strengths, 100mg and 150mg.

What if you miss a dose?

Patients undergoing cancer treatment need to ensure that the dose is not missed. In case, one misses the dose the doctor needs to be informed immediately.

What if you overdose?

Do not change the dose of this or any other anti cancer drug as this might prove harmful. Take the dosage as directed by the doctor and in case you overdose visit the nearest medical emergency center for help.

Things to be taken care of

Make sure that you inform your oncologist about all the prescription and non prescriptions medicines that you take before taking Erlonat. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding as this medicine falls under pregnancy category D and can harm the baby. If trying to conceive, discuss this with your doctor and do not take Erlonat unless instructed.

Side Effects

Some common side effects that could bother you with the intake of Erlonat tablets are:

§  Shortness Of Breath Or Cough

§  Nausea

§  Diarrhea

§  Vomiting

§  Extreme Fatigue

§  Eye Irritation

§  Swelling Or Ulcers

§  Painful Redness In Mouth

§  Dehydration

§  Decrease Amount Of Urine

§  Dry Mouth

Inform your doctor about any of these symptoms and make sure that you seek complete medical assistance as ignoring these could aggravate the condition.

Interaction with other drugs

Erlonat tablets might interact with several prescribed, non prescribed and herbal drugs, thus do not take any of these when taking this anti cancer drug. Do not task aspirin or any other medicine that contains it as this might lead to serious interactions. Do not get any vaccine while on this medicine without seeking your doctor’s approval. Discuss the method of contraception to be used while taking this medicine as there are many that should not be taken while on this drug.