Side Affects Of Tarceva

My husband started on Tarceva last week. He is now experiencing a mild rash. Does anyone have experience with this?  How long does it last?

I know the reaction is believed to be a good sign. But, I haven't read anywhere as to how long the rash lasts.

He was dx in June of 06 with stage 3B. He has had chemo/radiation combo, then more chemo, then more chemo. Now we are trying the Tarceva. It seems the other chemos end up with him in the hospital. He has been hospitalized 5 times in the last year and one half.

He has had Gemzar, Taxol, Carboplatin, Taxotere, Alimta.

Add to the cancer that he is type 2 diabetic and he lost his sight 3 years ago. BUT he is definitely a fighter.

On 1/24/2008 Caregiver44 wrote:

My husband started on Tarceva last week. He is now experiencing a mild rash. Does anyone have experience with this?  How long does it last?

I know the reaction is believed to be a good sign. But, I haven't read anywhere as to how long the rash lasts.

He was dx in June of 06 with stage 3B. He has had chemo/radiation combo, then more chemo, then more chemo. Now we are trying the Tarceva. It seems the other chemos end up with him in the hospital. He has been hospitalized 5 times in the last year and one half.

He has had Gemzar, Taxol, Carboplatin, Taxotere, Alimta.

Add to the cancer that he is type 2 diabetic and he lost his sight 3 years ago. BUT he is definitely a fighter.

Hi,  The rash is a good sign.  I have been on Tarceva for 15 months now.  The rash, in my case, has come and gone at will.  It is not a constant thing for me.  But it has worked greatly.  I am stage IV lung cancer.  One tumor has become inactive and the main one in the right lung has shrunk by 57%.  I still take Tarceva 150 daily.  If the rash gets too bad, or the itching, there are meds that can be prescribed for them.  If you go back through the lung cancer section, you will find quite a bit of info on Tarceva.  Good luck and God Bless.

Hi,

Thanks for the timely response. It is encourageing to know how long you have been on Tarceva. I have been going back through the messages and I appreciate your response. The info that I had not seen was about the coming and going of the rash. I know everyone is different, but it helps to get others experiences.    THANKS again!

I am currently on Tarceva and have been since November 13.  The answer to your question most of the rash goes away but the pimples stay.  That is one thing I am having a problem with.  I do have an oral antibotic and topical to take every day along with cream to moisturize my face.  It became very dry from the drug.  I still have the acne.  It comes and goes

I have hand many side effects from the tarceva.  It's one day at a time.  You just never know what is going to happen next.  It seems as if this drug is all skin related.

Anymore questions I would be happy to help.

God Bless,

Linda