Erlonat 100 mg – 30 Tablet

What is an Erlonat 100 mg Tablet?

Erlonat 100 mg Tablet contains salt called Erlotinib. It belongs to the group of medicines called Cytostatic agents. This tablet is prescribed to patients suffering from metastatic lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer) or cancer of the lung which is at a very advanced stage. It is also used in the treatment of some kinds of pancreatic cancers. It is used in combination with other drugs. This medicine is known to be a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It prevents the growth of cancer cells and destroys them in the process. 

Is Erlotinib a Chemotherapy?

Erlotinib is sold under the brand name Tarceva. It is manufactured in India by Natco Pharma Limited. Erlotinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. It works to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It treats certain types of non-small cell lung cancer that spreads to other parts of the body in patients who have already been treated with at least one other chemotherapy medication. This tablet is used in combination with other medications to treat pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Erlotinib is in a class of medications called kinase tyrosine inhibitors. It works to block the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

What is Pancreatic cancer?

The pancreas is a small, hockey stick-shaped gland located behind the stomach. The main role of the pancreas is to aid in food digestion and regulate blood sugar levels in the body. 

• How does pancreatic cancer occur?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when changes in the pancreas cells lead them to multiply out of control. A mass of tissue can form. In the early stage, this mass begins ( noncancerous). Later on, this mass is malignant ( cancerous).

• What are the signs and symptoms of Pancreatic cancer?

 Most people do not experience early signs of pancreatic cancer. As disease progression, people may face:

Upper abdominal pain

Yellowing of the skin

Tiredness

Loss of appetite

Light-colored pee

Weight loss

Blood clots 

Itchy skin

What is Non- small cell lung cancer?

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. With this disease, cancer cells occur when abnormal cells form and multiply in your lung tissues. Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the two main types of lung cancer. The other is small cell lung cancer.

• What are the signs and symptoms of Non- small cell lung cancer?

The most common signs of non-small cell lung cancer include:

Shortness of breath

Cough

Trouble breathing

Wheezing

Coughing up blood

Hoarseness

Loss of appetite

Weight loss 

Tiredness

Difficulty swallowing

Swelling in your face 

Erlotinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or food. Take erlotinib at around the same time every day. Before taking medicine consult your doctor. Dose and duration will be decided by the necessity and need of the patient. It depends on the treatment and may change from time to time. You should take medicine as per your doctor’s advice. This medicine is strictly not recommended for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It takes some weeks and months to get a better result. Do not stop taking the medicine before your doctor’s advice.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rash, and weight loss. It makes you sensitive to sunlight, so you have to wear a protective cloth or use sunscreen while going outside. If these side effects become serious, you consult your doctor. Your doctor can prevent and give you relief from the side effects. You may feel better during the treatment.

The benefit of Erlonat 100 mg Tablet

• In the treatment of Pancreatic cancer

The pancreas is very essential for digestion and maintaining your blood sugar levels and produces the body’s natural insulin. Erlonat 100 mg will help to control pancreatic cancer and will relieve the symptoms such as lack of appetite or weight loss. It helps to stop the action of those chemicals that help in pancreatic cancer growth and spread.

• In the treatment of Non- small cell lung cancer

Erlonat 100 mg tablet helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and it may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a powerful; medicine so you should discuss its risks and benefits. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 

Side effects of Erlonat 100 mg Tablet

Here are Some major and minor side effects of this medicine. But not all side effects need a doctor’s attention. If you observe any side effects become serious, You may consult your doctor.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include:

Burning sensation

Cough

Diarrhea

Lower back pain

Rash

Chills and fever

Blurred vision

Chest pain 

Sour stomach

Hair loss

Loss of appetite

How is the Erlotinib 100 mg Tablet taken?

Erlotinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal or food. Take erlotinib at around the same time every day. Always take this medicine as per your doctor’s consultation. Dose and duration will decide your doctor. You are not allowed to crush, chew and break the medicine. Swallow it as a whole. Drink plenty of water. Do not miss the dose. If you miss a dose skip the missed dose and follow your schedule regularly on the next day. Do not double the dose. Take medicine every day on time as prescribed by your doctor. Much other medicine can affect this medicine so let your doctor know all medication you are using during the treatment.

How does the Erlotinib 100 mg Tablet work?

This medicine works as a kind of treatment for non-small cell cancer of the lung and pancreatic cancer. The medication acts as an inhibitor for the epidermal growth factor receptor.