Erlotinib

Say it: er-LOH-tih-nib · Brand names: Tarceva

Erlotinib is a targeted pill that blocks a growth signal in cancers with a change in the EGFR gene.

What it is

Some lung cancers have a change in a gene called EGFR. This change tells cancer cells to keep growing. Erlotinib blocks the EGFR signal, which can slow or shrink the cancer.

Often used for

• non-small cell lung cancer with certain EGFR gene changes
• pancreatic cancer, together with the chemotherapy gemcitabine

How you get it

It is a pill you take by mouth once a day on an empty stomach. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Many people take it for a long time, as long as it works. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Rash or acne-like bumps on the face, chest, and back. Use gentle soap, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
• Diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids and ask your team which diarrhea medicine to keep at home.
• Loss of appetite. Try small meals and snacks through the day.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Dry, itchy skin. Moisturize every day.
• Mouth sores. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild salt water rinse.
• Nausea. Eat bland foods and ask your team about medicine for nausea.

Call your care team right away if you have

• New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be a sign of lung swelling
• Diarrhea that does not get better with the medicine your team told you to use, or 4 or more extra stools a day
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
• Bad belly pain
• Eye pain, red eyes, or changes in your vision
• Skin that blisters or peels

Before you start, tell your team

• If you smoke, since smoking makes this medicine work less well
• If you take medicines for heartburn or stomach acid
• If you take a blood thinner such as warfarin
• If you have liver or kidney problems
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• Rarely, this medicine causes serious lung swelling. Tell your team about new breathing problems.
• You will have blood tests to check your liver and kidneys.
• Stomach acid medicines can make it work less well. Ask your team how to time them, or whether to avoid them.
• Smoking lowers the amount of medicine in your blood. Your team can help you quit.

At home

• Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.

Questions to ask

• How long will I take this medicine?
• What tests will I need, and how often?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mouth sores
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.