ERLONAT 150MG TABLET contains Erlotinib which belongs to the group of medicines called Kinase inhibitors. It is used in adults to treat non-small cell lung cancer at an advanced stage, as initial therapy (or as therapy if disease remains largely unchanged after initial chemotherapy, provided your cancer cells have specific EGFR mutations).
It is also used if previous chemotherapy has not helped to stop the disease and to treat cancer of the pancreas at a metastatic stage in combination with gemcitabine. Cancer can be defined as body cells beginning to grow out of control. Cells in any part of the body can become cancer cells and can spread to other areas of the body. Your doctor may perform certain blood tests prior to the treatment.
Avoid smoking during the treatment of ERLONAT 150MG TABLET, as it decreases the effect of the medicine. ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is not recommended for use if you have severe liver or kidney disease. Before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET inform your doctor if you have diarrhea, glucuronidation disorder like Gilbert’s syndrome, history of peptic ulcers or diverticular disease, you use contact lenses, or have a history of eye problems (severe dry eyes, inflammation or ulcers of the cornea).
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless considered clearly necessary, therefore consult your doctor before taking it. ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. The most common side effects of taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET are rash, infection, loss of appetite, decreased weight, or depression. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Active Ingredient (Generic Name):
Erlotinib
Indication:
Non-small cell lung cancer, Pancreatic cancer
Manufacturer:
Natco Pharma Ltd.
Packaging:
30 Tablets in bottle
Delivery Time:
6 To 15 days
 
USES OF ERLONAT 150MG TABLET
Treats:
Non-small cell lung cancer at an advanced stage
Initial cancer stage (or as therapy if disease remains largely unchanged after initial chemotherapy)
Pancreatic cancer at a metastatic stage in combination with gemcitabine
 
HOW ERLONAT 150MG TABLET WORKS
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET binds to the intracellular portion (tyrosine kinase) of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inhibits its activity. EGFR is expressed on the surface of both normal as well as cancer cells. Inhibition of EGFR and its signaling significantly decreases tumor multiplication and survival, resulting in cell death.
 
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take ERLONAT 150MG TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Do not take medicine with food. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight, and disease condition.
 
SIDE EFFECTS OF ERLONAT 150MG TABLET
COMMON
Rash which may occur or worsen in sun-exposed areas
Infection
Loss of appetite, decreased weight
Depression
Headache
Change in skin sensation or numbness in the extremities
Difficulty in breathing, cough
Nausea
Mouth irritation
Stomach pain, indigestion, and flatulence
Itching, dry skin
Loss of hair
Tiredness, fever, rigor
Bleeding from the nose, stomach, or the intestines
Inflammatory reactions around the fingernail
Infection of hair follicles
Acne
Cracked skin (skin fissures)
Reduced kidney function
 
UNCOMMON
Eyelash and eyebrow changes
Excess hair in the body and face of a male distribution pattern
Brittle and loose nails
 
RARE
Palmar plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (flushed or painful palms or soles)
Stop taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
Persistent and severe diarrhea and vomiting
Eye irritation due to conjunctivitis/keratoconjunctivitis or keratitis
Interstitial lung disease (sudden difficulty breathing associated with cough or fever)
Gastrointestinal perforations (severe pain in the abdomen)
Acute or worsening redness and pain in the eye increased water in the eye, blurred vision, and/or sensitivity to light
Blistering or peeling of skin
Inflammation of the liver ( feeling of being unwell, with or without jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain)
 
 
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea:
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods, sugary snacks and drinks. Avoid drinking too much liquid along with your meals, drink slowly in between meals. Inform your doctor if the condition worsens.
Headache:
Take some rest, in a quiet place and avoid using mobile phones and other electronic devices for a while. Drink water as inadequate hydration may worsen your headache. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
Stomach pain:
Rest and relax. Try to have smaller meals but take them frequently. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Do not self-treat and contact your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
Flatulence:
Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly and exercise regularly. If the symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor.
Loss of appetite:
Eat when you are hungry. Eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
 
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
There is no adequate data on the use of ERLONAT 150MG TABLET in pregnant women. If you become pregnant during the treatment immediately inform your doctor who will decide if the treatment should be continued.
Use adequate contraception during treatment, and for at least 2 weeks after taking the last medicine. Consult your doctor before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET.
BREASTFEEDING
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women and for at least 2 weeks after taking the last medicine. Consult your doctor before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
KIDNEY
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is generally not recommended to use in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET.
LIVER
ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is generally not recommended to use in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET.
ALLERGY
Do not take ERLONAT 150MG TABLET if you are allergic to Erlotinib or any of the other ingredients of the medicines.
OTHERS
Before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you have:
Contact lenses
History of eye problems such as severe dry eyes, inflammation or ulcers of the front part of the eye (cornea)
Diarrhea
History of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease
Glucuronidation disorder like Gilbert’s syndrome