Tarceva (erlotinib)

Information on this site is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with qualified doctor.

The active substance in Tarceva, erlotinib, is a cancer medicine that belongs to the group (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) ‘EGFR inhibitors’. Erlotinib blocks EGFRs, which can be found on the surface of some tumour cells. As a result of this block, the tumour cells can no longer receive the messages needed for growth, progression and spreading (metastasis). As a result, Tarceva helps to stop the cancer from growing, multiplying and spreading through the body.1

 

In Bangladesh Tarceva is approved for the following indications.2 

Non-small cell lung cancer

  • Tarceva is indicated for the first-line and maintenance treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR activating mutations.
  • Tarceva is also indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen.

 

Pancreatic cancer

  • Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

 

For more disease and medicine related queries you may discuss with your physician.

 

In Bangladesh Tarceva is available as

100 mg tablets

150 mg tablets

 

References

1. Tarceva | European Medicines Agency. How does Tarceva work? [Internet; cited 2018, December 03]. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/tarceva

2. Tarceva Product Information _ FE-English Ro 50-8231 _ September-2021