Erlib 150 Tablet

Description of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Erlib 150 tablet which is composed of Erlotinib 150mg, is a pharmacologic drug used in the treatment of selected solid tumours, particularly, when it comes to pulmonary and pancreatic cancers. It belongs to the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) and exhibits antineoplastic activity  by selectively inhibiting signal transduction mechanisms that stimulate unregulated cell proliferation and propagation. Such mechanistic measure leads to a slow-down of disease progression and reduction of tumour burden.

Indications of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Erlib 150 tablet is recommended in the therapeutic intervention of lung cancer Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and Pancreatic cancer especially when used together with other chemotherapeutic options. The usage of this type of medication is usually reserved to the instances of particular receptor vulnerability or when the alternative treatment methods are inefficient.

Mechanism of action of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet 

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which acts through the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells. EGFR inhibition interferes with proliferative and apoptotic signalling pathways and thus the clonogenic potential and proliferation of neoplastic cells.

How to consume of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

The patients should follow the dosage and the time taken seriously as directed by the clinician. The drug is normally taken once per day when the stomach is empty with a two-hour minimum gap before or two hours after taking food. The tablet is to be swallowed as a whole with a sufficient amount of water and should not be crushed, chewed, and any other form of breaking until specifically instructed by a qualified healthcare professionl.

Side Effects of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

1. Common side effects

• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Problems with diarrhea
• Mild swelling in hands or feet
• Appetite gets lower
• Skin rash

2. Serious side effects

• Chest pain, arrhythmia
• Hepatic malfunction
• Allergic issues
• Severe bleeding
• Eye irritation
• Breathing difficulty

3. Rare side effects

• Low potassium level in blood
• Muscle spasm
• Severe stomach pain
• Stomach ulcer

Safety Advice for Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Patients on Erlotinib are supposed to be subjected to regular medical checkups to identify the risk of adverse events such as skin reaction, intense diarrhea, dyspnea, and changes in hepatic lab tests. Clinicians can also prescribe regular haematological testing and renal functional evaluation under the condition of clinical situation of the patient.

Breastfeeding: This medicine should not be administered when one is on lactation because thers is a risk of therapeutic intervention in breast milk and may lead to a teratogenic or neonatal risk. Before the commencement, consultation with a trained medical professional is necessary.

Pregnancy: This medicine should not be used during pregnancy because it may be teratogenic. Potential women need to use effective contraceptive methods and are to receive specialist counselling before beginning therapy.

Alcohol: Must be limited or avoided because it can increase the rate of hepatotoxicity and mucosal gastrointestinal irritation.

Liver: In patients having hepatic pathology, the administration of erlotinib must be done with caution and treatment must be done under close medical supervision as it has a tendency of increasing hepatic enzymes..

Lungs: Lung pulmonary inflammation Interstitial lung disease is infrequently linked to erlotinib. Patients who have a new cough, exacerbated cough, pyrexia, or dyspnea should consult the doctor immediately.

Kidney: Erlotinib is not recommended in patients with renal insufficiency and dosage needs to be changed based on clinical evaluation.

Driving: The drug can cause vertigo, fatigue, or blurring of the vision. In case of such manifestation, patients will be advised not to drive a vehicle or operate a heavy piece of equipment.

Interaction of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

• Drug-Drug Interaction :

Apalutamide x Erlotinib

Erlotinib should not be concomitantly used, as erlotinib increases the effect of apalutamide by altering the hepatic enzymatic metabolism.

Ciprofloxacin x Erlotinib

The use of an alternative antimicrobial must be taken into account, since ciprofloxacin augments the action of erlotinib by inhibiting its metabolic disposition.

Dichlorphenamide x Erlotinib

The combination should be used with caution as the interaction lowers the levels of serum potassium.

Dexlansoprazole x Erlotinib

Another acid-suppressing drug is also advised, since dexlansoprazole reduces the impact of erlotinib by increasing gastric pH.

Siponimod x Erlotinib

It is recommended that clinical vigilance be observed because the combination might increase the risk of infection.

• Drug-Food Interaction:

Food:

Grapefruit must be avoided, if in the process of treatment, it may increase the levels ofsystemic drugs and as a result, induce bradycardia. The patient will need to visit the doctor immediately in case of the emergence of such symptoms like dizziness, feeling light-headed, dyspnea, bleeding, weight loss, chills, or diarrhea.

• Drug-Disease Interaction:

Dermatologic toxicities:

Prescription of this drug needs caution as reversible cutaneous reactions have been reported. To reduce sun induced dermatitis patients are recommended to cover their skin with sunscreen and hats.

GI disorders:

Prudent use of the drug is observed in people whose history of peptic ulceration because the drug is linked with gastrointestinal perforation.

Pulmonary toxicities:

Patients with the history of interstitial pneumonitis have to be considered carefully because the drug can trigger interstitial lung disease or fibrosis of the lungs.

Contraindication of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Erlib 150 tablet contraindications include interstitial lung disease, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, gastrointestinal perforation and bullous eruptions.

Dosage of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Dose depends on the type of cancer. The doctor may make changes depending upon personal tolerance and how the treatment is working.

Storage of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

Tablets of Erlotinib need to be kept somewhere with average room temperature conditions, protecting it from too much moisture or heat. You should always have them inside packet they are in and out of reach of children.

Missed Dose of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet

If you miss one tablet, just use planned next dose on the regular schedule. Taking two tablets together to replace a missed one is not required. Do not try to increase your next dose for this.

Other General Information of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet 

The long-term use can cause xerosis, hence use of an appropriate moisturizer. Enough hydration by drinking water and eating a proper diet must be promoted. Patients have to inform their physicians of any abnormal adverse events and they are supposed to do this regularly. To seek further advice depending on the case scenario, one is recommended to consult the prescribing clinician.

FAQs of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet 

1.What is the common cause of Erlotinib to cause skin rash?

Epidermal growth factor receptors that Erlotinib targets are also found in epithelial cells of the skin. As a result, acneiform rashes or xerosis can be experienced. Mild eruptions are common and can indicate the effectiveness of the treatment but severe ones require medical treatment.

2. Is it safe to use sunscreen in combination with Erlotinib?

Yes, broad-spectrum sunscreen hats or protective clothing are highly encouraged because the drug enhances photosensitivity of the skin, and lowers the risk of irritation and hyperpigmentation.

3. Diet What type of food should I avoid taking when an Erlotinib?

Foods with grapefruit or grapefruit juice are to be avoided since they increase the plasma drug levels and increase the chances of side effects, especially spicy or rich foods can contribute to gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.

4. Does Erlotinib have any impact on breathing?

In some extreme cases, pulmonary inflammation can present. The clinician must be informed immediately on the occurrence of new onset cough, chest tightness, or dyspnea.

5. Is it possible to use antacids or acidity tablet with Erlotinib?

Erlotinib may be reduced by the concurrent use of antacids or proton-pump inhibitors, the use of these types of agents should be approved by the prescribers before starting.

Fact Box of Erlib 150 (Erlotinib 150mg) tablet  :

References

• Chabner BA, Barnes J, Neal J, et al. Targeted Therapies: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Monoclonal Antibodies, and Cytokines. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. pp. 1735-36.
• Chu E, Sartorelli AC. Cancer Chemotherapy. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 954-55.
• Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 489-90.
• Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Erlotinib. [Updated 2018 Dec 3]. [Accessed 18 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500853/