Tarceva

I started Tarceva 150 mg over two and one half weeks ago for Stage IV Lung Cancer.  After 8 days, I had to stop taking it due to a severe face, head and neck rash.  My nose and chin were full of pus pimples and would bleed at the slightest touch along with severe itching and burning of my face and head.  I was put on oral antibiotics and a topical lotion.  After eight days off the pill, my skin has finally calmed down--now it just looks like bad acne.  I am supposed to restart Tarceva again today, but I was told to cut the pill in half, thereby taking only 75 mg.  My fingertips are sore and cracked also and I had the diarrhea and nausea.  Has anyone else had such a severe facial and head reaction??  I was told I have a genetic marker which precluded my chances of getting cancer (I am a non smoker), and that Tarceva specifically targets my type of genetic marker.  Three years ago, I had 3 surgeries for cancer, two lung cancers and one renal cell carcinoma.  All results were Stage I and each one was a primary.  I had negative CT scans every 4 months, but the last one in August '09 showed nodules had metastasized in the pleura of the left lung.  I am afraid to restart the Tarceva and I am afraid if I do not!!!!

I am sorry to hear of your severe rxn to Tarceva.  I have had a similar reaction, although perhaps not as severe.  My face burned and was very inflamed and had the acne issues you mentioned too.  I had a rash and acne on my back also.  I saw a dermatologist and saw some relief with the items she gave me, but honestly, it took a few weeks to see the results.  I was miserable for awhile there. I had days where I wished I could just peel my skin off and start over.  I chose to stick with the Tarceva as I know if is working on the cancer cells.  My first two CTs showed marked reduction in the size of the cells.  I have been on Tarceva for a year now. 

My fingertips (and my heels) cracked in the winter months where I had never had that problem before.  I apply moisturizer every morning and night now.  Make sure you use gentle products like Aveeno or Eucerin with no fragrances or dyes.  You should use a mild soap for your hands and shower (like Dove).   

I also lost most of my hair in a "shedding" way, not coming out in clumps, but still requiring me to get a wig and wear hats alot.  It is slowly returning,but now it is no longer poker straight, but very curly (strange!).  My fingernails and toe nails are very weak/thin.  My eyelashes have gone very wild - crazy long and twisty - again , strange! 

It is a rough road, but I do hope that your adverse reactions lessen enough for you to stay on the meds.  You can make it through the problems, I'm sure of it.  Don't lose hope!

Best Regards

Ann

Dear Ann-- Thanks for your reply!  I have been on one half the dosage--75mgs. now--for over one week.  The rash on my face is not as bad--in fact, I can wear some makeup again.  The severe itching and burning are gone.  I do use quite a bit of moisturizing cream, as you mentioned.  I had a follow up CT scan this past Monday and will see my Oncologist next week.  I am hoping for a good report!!  I guess, I have only just begun . . .Carmel

Stick to the Tarceva.  I am also Stage IV, in less than two months my affected area has been reduced by 50%. 

Several hours after taking my first pill and getting a little sunshine as I walked from my car to a building, my face and chest turned a brilliant red as if I were suffering from a  severe sunburn.  I stayed out of the sun and it went away.  Then I got the acne looking pimples with pustules on my nose that would bleed, stayed a couple of weeks and have disappeared but now in month 3 pimples has moved inside my nose and around my eyes.  My eyes are very, very irritated.  Not sure how to treat my eyes. My optometrist has suggested natural tears and washing my eyelashes with a eyelid cleaner but not helping much.  Going back to the doctor this week for more help.

 The great news is by the third day I was not coughing and by the end of the first week I could sleep on my right side.  Before that there was so much rumbling in my right lung that the rumbling had kept me awake so I could only sleep on my left side.

I was very afraid to start Tarceva after all that I read but now I am glad that my oncologist talked me into it.  So I say stick to it!!!  Good luck.

Mary

 

On 10/10/2009 Mary Katie wrote:

Stick to the Tarceva.  I am also Stage IV, in less than two months my affected area has been reduced by 50%. 

Several hours after taking my first pill and getting a little sunshine as I walked from my car to a building, my face and chest turned a brilliant red as if I were suffering from a  severe sunburn.  I stayed out of the sun and it went away.  Then I got the acne looking pimples with pustules on my nose that would bleed, stayed a couple of weeks and have disappeared but now in month 3 pimples has moved inside my nose and around my eyes.  My eyes are very, very irritated.  Not sure how to treat my eyes. My optometrist has suggested natural tears and washing my eyelashes with a eyelid cleaner but not helping much.  Going back to the doctor this week for more help.

 The great news is by the third day I was not coughing and by the end of the first week I could sleep on my right side.  Before that there was so much rumbling in my right lung that the rumbling had kept me awake so I could only sleep on my left side.

I was very afraid to start Tarceva after all that I read but now I am glad that my oncologist talked me into it.  So I say stick to it!!!  Good luck.

Mary

Thanks for your reply and input.  I did go back on the Tarceva--but at the Oncologist's directions, I am taking 75 mg (one half the original dosage).  My side effects are lessened; the facial rash is tolerable.  My last ct scan after being on Tarceva for only a couple of weeks, showed no new growth.  The Oncologist was satisfied with this result after so short a time on the medication.  I feel satisfied if he is satisfied.  I also feel hopeful!

My dad has been on Tarceva for the past 4 years and is doing very well. The side effects should lessen after awhile. Be sure to wear sunscreen.