Tarceva is an Anti-Cancer medication which controls the growth of the cancer cells in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer which have spread to the other parts of the body. The drug works by inhibiting the DNA signals between the cancer cells due to which they are able to divide and spread all over the body. The drug belongs to the class of tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor.
It should be noted that patients who have been diagnosed and treated with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer using chemotherapy, are prescribed this medication in conditions when the cancer tissues have affected other areas of the body than the lungs.
The drug is very different from other drug as it treats the disease a different manner. Tarceva interacts with the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR). This is a cell surface receptor which combines with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) to form the enzyme known as Tyrosine Kinase. The EGF is a protein which is released in the body and creates Tyrosine Kinase when interacts with EGFR. The Tyrosine Kinase enzyme begins the process of Cancer Cell generation and promotes their growth and multiplication in the Lungs and other organs.
The drug is available in the market only in the prescription category and in dosages of 25mg, 100mg and 150mg. It should be considered that the drug comes with some side effects and conditions which can arise if it is not used in the proper manner you have been told to by your doctor. The following are precautions which should be consideration while and before you are taking the medication:
Precautions:
1. One should not consume Tarceva 150mg Tablet if your lung problems begin to worsen or a new problems starts to emerge. Immediately call your doctor and stop the medication. Problems like dry cough, chest pain, fever, short breath and wheezing are some which can arise during any complications from the drug.
2. Inform your doctor about any other medication which you are taking as it may interact with Tarceva and create much serious conditions to your health.
3. Women who are pregnant should not consume the drug as it may cause harm to the fetus. Also, usage of birth control pills should be increased if you have an active sex life. Keep consuming the pills during your time of treatment and for two weeks after your treatment is complete.
4. Get your blood tested oftenly during the treatment course to get the knowledge of the changes that are occurring in our body. In this way the doctor can figure out the progress in your symptoms and can also trace any other health problems that may arise if you continue taking the medication.
5. Avoiding sunlight exposure would help you prevent skin rashes and irritation as the medication is very prone to cause a person skin rashes and dryness.
6. You should not take the drug in large quantities as it may worsen the general side effects. Take the drug as prescribed by the doctor. The doctor would occasionally the drug dosage after each blood test most probably, to help you get the best treatment results.
With awareness of the above precautions one can possibly make sure that he/she does get the right kind of treatment and without and serious complications in health and any other uncomfortable event.
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