Tarceva^®

Tarceva^® is a cancer chemotherapy medication which helps to stop the growth of tumor cells by targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (HER1/ EGFR), the protein in your body responsible for normal cell growth.

Approved by the U.S. FDA in November 2004, Tarceva^® is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, and is usually administered as a once-daily pill.

Tarceva^® is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This indicates that the use of Tarceva^® is known to be harmful to unborn babies. If you are pregnant, or may become pregnant during treatment, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we understand how difficult and overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be. If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, and would like to learn more about the treatment options available to you at CTCA, please click to chat with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.

The following side effects may be experienced during cancer treatment with Tarceva^®:

• Allergic reactions (including closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, tongue or lips; or hives)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Increased coughing
• Severe or persistent vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• Eye pain or irritation

In addition, less serious side effects may be experienced with patients taking Tarceva^®, including:

• Mild to moderate vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Skin dryness, itching, rash, or acne

Because each patient is unique, you may experience additional side effects of Tarceva^® not mentioned above. When taking any chemotherapy drug, including Tarceva^®, it is important to communicate to your healthcare professional any side effects you experience.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), our individualized, whole-person approach ensures that you are at the center of everything we do. We believe in the right of all patients to be well informed about their disease and all of their treatment options.

Approved for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, Tarceva^® is indicated for use following a minimum of one round of chemotherapy treatment.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we help you fight cancer on all fronts. Our cancer doctors will discuss Tarceva^®, as well as all other options, as part of your personalized lung cancer treatment plan.

For patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, Tarceva^® is approved for first-line treatment in combination with gemcitabine.

Your team of cancer specialists at CTCA will work closely with you throughout each phase of your individualized pancreatic cancer treatment to determine the appropriate combination of traditional and new, innovative therapies for you.