INTRODUCTION

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.

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

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

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking ERLONAT 150MG TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• ketoconazole (to treat fungal infections)
• erythromycin, clarithromycin, and ciprofloxacin (antibacterial agents)
• protease inhibitors like atazanavir, idinavir (to treat HIV)
• warfarin (to prevent blood clotting)
• statins (Ex. atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) to lower blood cholesterol
• phenytoin, carbamazepine (treats epilepsy or fits)
• omeprazole, ranitidine (reduces stomach acid)
• rifampicin (treats tuberculosis)
• St. John’s Wort (treats depression)
• barbiturates (used to treat seizures)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much ERLONAT 150MG TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep ERLONAT 150MG TABLET out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT ERLONAT 150MG TABLET

What is ERLONAT 150MG TABLET used for?

ERLONAT 150MG TABLET 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), 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.

What is the mechanism of action of ERLONAT 150MG TABLET?

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 it’s signaling significantly decreases tumor multiplication and survival, resulting in cell death.

Can ERLONAT 150MG TABLET be used in pregnant women?

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.

Can ERLONAT 150MG TABLET be taken along with Statins?

If you are taking statins (medicines to lower your blood cholesterol), ERLONAT 150MG TABLET may increase the risk of statin related muscle problems, which on rare occasions can lead to serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) resulting in kidney damage, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

Can ERLONAT 150MG TABLET be used in children?

ERLONAT 150MG TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (under 18 years of age). Consult your doctor for more information on this medicine before taking it.

REFERENCES

1. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 13th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2018 Page – 863-886.

2. Jose Ramon Gonzalez-Porras and Jose Maria Bastida. Eltrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia: efficacy review and update on drug safety. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology information. Pubmed Central. June 2018. [Accessed on 13th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5971401/

3. Marco Dionisi, Sara Cairoli, Raffaele Simeoli, Francesca De Gennaro, Valeria Paganelli, Roberto Carta, Francesca Rossi, Carlo Dionisi-Vici, Giuseppe Palumbo and Bianca Maria Goffredo. Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Eltrombopag in ITP Pediatric Patients. Journal of frontiers in pharmacology. December 2021 [Accessed on 13th May 2022] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.772873/full

4. Roche Products Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in November 2022]. [Accessed on 13th May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8844.pdf

5. OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. U.S Food and Drug Administration. [Revised in October 2016] [Accessed on 13th May 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/021743s025lbl.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Blood test