On 3/17/2008
Craig1 wrote:
I posted a message on 3/2 worrying about starting Tarceva and the side effects. I had actually started that day, and by the next Sunday, 3/9, the rash had developed pretty well -- on my face, head, chest, arms and back. By Thursday I met with my oncologist who said, "Great, it's really working. But we're going to take you off the drug for a couple of weeks to clear you up." I don't know when I've ever had a rash more uncomfortable than this one. I also suffered the fatigue, diarehal, nausea, and complete loss of appetite. I went off Tarceva on the 13, and here it is the 17th and I'm still feeling the effects. I can handle everything but the rash, since it really hurts, especially on my face. I've read through the messages and will try some of the remedies other people have tried. I found Gold Bond works well, so much so that I'm not even embarrassed doing errands with white powder all over my face. He's going to start me back on April 3 with a 75 mg dose, and I hope I can handle it. I've been through chemo twice, and it was no picnic, but this face rash ranks right up there with my bad chemo days.
I'm a really positive person, and I haven't let lung, bladder, and prostate cancer get me, so I'm not going to be stopped by a few side effects.
Hi Craig, Sounds like you've had your share of treatments. Compared to the others Tarceva should be a treat once you get the rash under control. I had the rash really bad in the beginning when I was taking 150 and my onc dropped me back and put me on an antibiotic for 10 days. That did the trick. Then when I started up again I was 100, 125, and back to 150 and have been on 150 for a year now. I'm doing really good. One of the creams I used was a prescription called clobetasol propionate cream 0.05%. It takes away the rash overnight almost. Tarceva has been a God send for me. They gave me 6-12 almost 17 months ago and I'm still working full time and doing everything I always have. sometimes a little slower but it's been well worth the hassles in the beginning. I wish you luck and hope Tarceva does as well for you as it has for me. God Bless.