Tarceva Shortness Of Breath Side Effect

My husband has NSCLC , a tumor on each upper lobe. He just finished 68 radiation treatments 3 weeks ago.  More cancer, adenocarcinoma, was found on his backbone during his radiation treatment. Now the doctor is prescribing tarceva150. We have not started yet, waiting for insurance to supplement the cost, but we are very concerned about the possibility of shortness of breath as a side effect. He wont mind the rash or other side effects, but the shortness of breath is something he can not handle as he has COPD now. Has anyone had this as a side effect? If so, is it temporary, all the time, or what? Any comments from anyone would be very appreciated!! Our only other option is to do a 21 day cycle of Alimta for probably 6 sessions, and he is seriously considering it since it may not cause shortness of breath. Any comments will be welcomed! Thanks  

 

On 4/21/2008 Nadeene wrote:

My husband has NSCLC , a tumor on each upper lobe. He just finished 68
radiation treatments 3 weeks ago.  More cancer,
adenocarcinoma, was found on his backbone during his radiation
treatment. Now the doctor is prescribing tarceva150. We have not
started yet, waiting for insurance to supplement the cost, but we are
very concerned about the possibility of shortness of breath as a
side effect. He wont mind the rash or other side effects, but the
shortness of breath is something he can not handle as he has COPD now.
Has anyone had this as a side effect? If so, is it temporary,
all the time, or what? Any comments from anyone would be very
appreciated!! Our only other option is to do a 21 day cycle of
Alimta for probably 6 sessions, and he is seriously considering it
since it may not cause shortness of breath. Any comments will be
welcomed! Thanks  

I
have had no shortness of breath with taking 100 mg Tarceva over three
months, as I had with chemo before. I had difficult skin reactions but
now have that under control.The chronic disease fund can sometmes help
with cost.Your doctor can help to apply.Best of luck to you

 

Hi Nadene,

I have been on Tarceva 150 for 18 months.  If anything, it has helped me breathe better.  Have never had any issue with shortness of breath.

Good luck to you and your husband.  God Bless. 

My mother did have shortness of breath while on Tarceva, but it was due to anemia.  A blood transfusion took care of that problem.  Good luck to you and your husband.   Roz

Hi Nadeene. I am a cancer survivor. Diagnosed with NSCLC over 10 years ago (August 6, 1997). I am currently undergoing a fourth recurrence of cancer. Now stage 4 (broncho-alveolar adenocarcinoma). I have had over 20 cycles of chemo ranging from Gemzar+Carboplatin, Alimta+ABT751, to Tarceva 150. Hands down, the Tarceva is the easiest to take and the chemo with the least side effects. I have experienced NO (zero) headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, bleeding, tremors, stomach upsets, vision disturbances, taste alterations, or anything else for that matter with the exception of one thing - a rash that resembles acne on the upper part of my chest, back, neck, face, and scalp. This is being treated with antibiotics. The rash is unsightly but a small price to pay for staying alive. With Alimta, Gemzar, Carboplatin, and ABT751, I experienced shortness of breath. If your husband experiences shortness of breath during treatment with Tarceva, the likelihood will be that it is due to radiation treatment and/or progression of the disease. My best to you and to your husband. hang in there. It's tough as is the climb up a mountain - but once there, the view is well worth it :) Blessings.