Tarceva Dosage

I have been taking Tarceva for almost two months (150 mg once a day). Lately I have developed shortness of breath enough to go back on oxygen. I have also developed difficulty breathing, increased coughing and loss of appetite. My question is is this normal for tarceva or am I maybe overdosing. My oncologist can't seem to give me an answer. Any help appreciated, Thanks Robert

Robert,

I have been taking 100mg of Tarceva since August 2005. I took it with my chemo and I am still taking it. I am in 100% remission. If you would like to know the other things I did and took, just scroll down to Lung cancer survivor dated 1/30/06 and read message 4. I cut back on the AHCC when I had finished the chemo. I got a sore throat each morning. Went back to 6 grams of AHCC, 2grams three times a day, and the sore throat went away. I had no bad side effects through the entire treatment. Read that message and if you have any questions let me know.

Ernie

Robert:
Have you had a CT scan lately? If not, I would request one. This is not the "typical" side-effects from Tarceva. On the official Tarceva web-site: www.tarceva.com it has the following under "Taking Tarceva, Side Effects and Care":

Call your doctor right away if you have these signs or symptoms

Severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite or vomiting

Onset or worsening of unexplained shortness of breath or cough

Eye irritation

Be persistent! Don't take "no" or "I don't know" for an answer. - Kim

Increased shortness of breath and other lung problems can develop due to Tarceva. After my mother was on it about 1 month she developed severe shortness of breath. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and almost did not survive a hospital stay of 10 days. We pushed for her to go home for what we thought would be the end. She is now on oxygen at home. She is doing much better. She is on a lower dose of 100mg of Tarceva. It's only been two weeks. Before she experienced extreme diarrhea and weight loss. Good Luck.

Robert,
I had told you to go to another discussion site to read what I had done to fight my cancer. I am sorry but Cancer Compass removed it today. If I send it to you here they will remove it. I am having a little trouble figuring out the policy. If you got there before they removed it, then you have the info.
Ernie

I saw your message on cancer compass. My daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 broncheoaveolar carcinoma a year ago and was given a virtual death sentence. The oncologist did two rounds of intense chemo and then put her on Tarceva. She is doing well, but I would like to know what else you did to fight your cancer.

My dad has been on Tarceva for 2 months and he has no appetite and extremely tired and very cold. He has experienced a severe rash, and diarrhea. He also has STage 4 bronchioalveolar cell carcinoma. I was wondering if the loss of appetite and fatigue ever get better.