Erlocent 150mg Tablet

Uses of Erlocent 150mg Tablet

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer

Side Effects of Erlocent 150mg Tablet

Major & minor side effects for Erlocent 150mg Tablet

• Burning or tingling sensation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Lower back or side pain
• Rash
• Chills and fever
• Blurred vision
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Acid or sour stomach
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite

How does Erlocent 150mg Tablet work?

Erlotinib, the active ingredient in Erlocent 150mg Tablet, specifically targets and binds to the intracellular portion of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is a protein expressed on the surface of normal and cancer cells. By binding to EGFR, Erlotinib inhibits its activity, specifically the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR.

EGFR signaling plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival. In certain types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer, EGFR signaling is dysregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell multiplication and survival. By inhibiting EGFR, Erlotinib helps to restore balance and suppresses the abnormal growth and survival signals in cancer cells.

Through its inhibitory action on EGFR, Erlotinib reduces tumor multiplication and promotes cell death, ultimately contributing to the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It is an important targeted therapy that specifically acts on cancer cells while sparing normal cells, providing a more targeted and selective approach to cancer treatment.

Quick Suggestions:

• Erlotinib helps treat non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced or has spread to other areas of the body.
• It should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after the meal.
• Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
• Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
• It makes your skin sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing while going out.
• It is advisable to avoid smoking while taking this medicine, as it makes the drug ineffective and requires dose adjustment.
• Do not take it with medication lowering the stomach acid (such as antacids, H2 blockers including ranitidine), as it may affect the working of the medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you develop ulceration in your mouth, changes in your vision, or if you experience a worsening cough, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine.
• Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are having treatment with this medicine.

Indication of Erlocent 150mg Tablet

Erlocent 150mg Tablet treats:

• Non-small cell lung cancer at an advanced stage
• Initial cancer stage (or as therapy if the disease remains largely unchanged after initial chemotherapy)
• Pancreatic cancer at a metastatic stage in combination with gemcitabine

Pharmacology

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or human epidermal growth factor receptor type 1 (HER1). By binding to the receptor, it inhibits the kinase activity of EGFR, which prevents the receptor from undergoing autophosphorylation on specific tyrosine residues. This inhibition of EGFR signaling pathways leads to a blockade of downstream signaling events, ultimately resulting in cell death. Erlotinib's mechanism of action contributes to its therapeutic effect in the treatment of certain cancers.

Dosage & Administration of Erlocent 150mg Tablet

• The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is 150 mg taken on an empty stomach. It should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
• For pancreatic cancer, the recommended daily dose of Erlotinib is 100 mg taken once daily in combination with gemcitabine. Similar to NSCLC, it should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
• Dose adjustments may be necessary in certain situations. For severe reactions with concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or a combination of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitors, Erlotinib may need to be reduced by 50 mg decrements. On the other hand, if used concomitantly with CYP3A4 inducers or in the presence of concurrent cigarette smoking, Erlotinib may be increased by 50 mg increments as tolerated.
• It's important to follow the advice of your physician regarding the correct dose and duration of treatment with the Erlocent 150mg Tablet. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water without crushing or chewing it. Remember to take the medicine on an empty stomach, as directed by your doctor. The specific dose and duration will depend on factors such as your age, body weight, and the condition being treated.

Interaction

Erlocent 150mg Tablet can interact with several medications, and it's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking. Some of the known drug interactions include:

• Ketoconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and ciprofloxacin: These medications are inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme, which is responsible for metabolizing Erlotinib. Co-administration of Erlotinib with these drugs can increase the levels of Erlotinib in the body, leading to a higher risk of adverse effects.
• Protease inhibitors (e.g., atazanavir, indinavir): These medications are used to treat HIV. They can also inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme and increase the levels of Erlotinib in the body.
• Warfarin: Erlotinib can interact with warfarin, an anticoagulant medication, and increase the International Normalized Ratio (INR), which may lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of INR is necessary if these medications are used together.
• Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin): Co-administration of Erlotinib with statins can increase the risk of statin-related adverse effects, such as muscle toxicity. Close monitoring is advised.
• Phenytoin, and carbamazepine: These medications are used to treat epilepsy or seizures. They can induce the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme and may reduce the exposure of Erlotinib in the body. Dose adjustment may be necessary.
• Omeprazole, ranitidine: These medications are used to reduce stomach acid. Co-administration of Erlotinib with these drugs can reduce the absorption of Erlotinib and lower its effectiveness. It is recommended to separate the administration of these medications from Erlotinib.
• Rifampicin: This medication is used to treat tuberculosis. It is a potent inducer of the CYP3A4 enzyme and may significantly decrease exposure to Erlotinib. Dose adjustment may be required.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Erlotinib is classified as pregnancy category D, which means it has the potential to cause harm to a developing fetus if administered to a pregnant woman. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks and alternatives are not suitable.
• Regarding breastfeeding, it is not known if Erlotinib is excreted in human milk. Since many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially harm nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the medication to the mother's health. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential risks and benefits and make an informed decision based on individual circumstances.

Precautions & Warnings

• Erlotinib therapy should be carefully managed during pregnancy and lactation. It is important to interrupt Erlotinib treatment if the patient develops unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, or fever, and discontinue therapy if interstitial lung disease is diagnosed. Regular monitoring of liver functions is necessary, especially in cases where total bilirubin levels are three times greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN). Extreme caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment, and therapy should be interrupted or discontinued if severe changes in liver functions occur, such as a doubling of total bilirubin and/or a tripling of transaminases.
• Dehydration can increase the risk of renal failure, so Erlotinib therapy should be interrupted in the event of dehydration, especially in patients with predisposing factors. Renal function and serum electrolytes should be monitored in patients at risk of dehydration.
• Severe bullous and exfoliative skin disorders, as well as acute or worsening ocular disorders, are potential adverse effects of Erlotinib. In such cases, therapy should be interrupted or discontinued accordingly. Additionally, if gastrointestinal perforation occurs, Erlotinib should be permanently discontinued.
• Patients with cardiovascular disorders should be closely monitored during Erlotinib treatment. For patients taking warfarin or other coumarin-derivative anticoagulants, prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (INR) should be monitored.
• The excretion of Erlotinib in breast milk is unknown, and its use during lactation is not recommended.
• It is worth noting that Erlotinib therapy carries a risk of interstitial lung disease, renal damage, hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal perforation, bullous and exfoliative skin disorders, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction in patients with pancreatic cancer. Close monitoring and prompt action are essential to manage these potential adverse effects effectively.

Storage Conditions

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C in a dry place. Protect from light and moisture.