Note: This document contains side effect information about erlotinib. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Tarceva.

Summary

Common side effects of Tarceva include: infection, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, dyspnea, keratoconjunctivitis, nausea, pruritus, skin rash, stomatitis, anorexia, and xeroderma. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to erlotinib: oral tablets.

Side effects include:

Adverse effects (≥20%): rash, diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, dyspnea, cough, nausea, vomiting.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to erlotinib: oral tablet.

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (41%), cough (33%)

Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash (75%), alopecia (14%), pruritus (13%), dry skin (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Acne, dermatitis acneiform, folliculitis, skin fissures, paronychia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperpigmentation, hirsutism, brittle/loose nails, eyebrow changes

Rare (less than 0.1%): Palmar plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (54%), nausea (33%), vomiting (23%), stomatitis (22%), dyspepsia (17%), flatulence (13%), abdominal pain (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): GI bleeding

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): GI perforations^[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Liver function test abnormalities (including elevated ALT, AST, bilirubin)

Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome (including fatalities)^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infections (24%)^[Ref]

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (12%), conjunctivitis (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Keratitis

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Eyelash changes

Rare (less than 0.1%): Corneal ulcerations or perforations

Postmarketing reports: Uveitis^[Ref]

Renal

Common (1% to 10%): Renal insufficiency

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nephritis, proteinuria

Other

Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (73%), pyrexia (36%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Myocardial infarction/ischemia, cerebrovascular accident

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (53%), weight decreased (39%)

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Rigors (12%)

Postmarketing reports: Myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, in combination with statin therapy

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (15%), neuropathy (13%)

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Depression (19%)