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Erlotinib

Targeted cancer tablet (EGFR kinase inhibitor) for lung and pancreatic cancer.

Clinical information

Common uses

  • EGFR-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
  • advanced pancreatic cancer, with gemcitabine

Common side effects

  • rash
  • diarrhoea
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness
  • nausea

Cautions

  • can cause serious lung inflammation — report new breathlessness or cough
  • liver damage possible — liver tests monitored
  • kidney failure risk if dehydrated
  • can harm an unborn baby

Interactions

  • strong CYP3A4 inhibitors incl. clarithromycin, ketoconazole, grapefruit (avoid)
  • CYP3A4 inducers incl. rifampicin, phenytoin, St John's wort (avoid)
  • cigarette smoking (lowers drug levels)
  • acid-reducing drugs like omeprazole (avoid) and ranitidine (separate doses)
  • warfarin (blood thinner — bleeding risk, monitor INR)

Pregnancy: avoid — can harm an unborn baby

Reference information, not medical advice — always follow your doctor or pharmacist. Source: DailyMed, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov, erlotinib label, setid a3b2d622-b4d5-4819-862b-f8fd3adcec6f (accessed 2026-08-16)

Approved brands & formulations3

Brand nameDosage formStrengthImporterCategory
ErlotinibTablet25 mgPOM
ErlotinibTablet100 mgPOM
ErlotinibTablet150 mgPOM
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