apollo
0
Written By Santoshini Reddy G , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Nov 23, 2024 | 4:47 PM IST
Erlofast 150mg Tablet is used to treat lung and pancreatic cancer. It contains Erlotinib which works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, bone pain, constipation, cough, diarrhoea, fatigue, fever, and infection. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Read more
Prescription drug

Whats That

tooltip
Prescription drug
 Trailing icon
Consult Doctor

Composition :

ERLOTINIB-150MG

Consume Type :

ORAL

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Erlofast 150mg Tablet

Erlofast 150mg Tablet belongs to the group of medicine called ‘anti-cancer’ primarily used for lung and pancreatic cancer treatment. Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out normal lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. In this disease, cells of the lung grow uncontrollably, and if not detected at an early stage may spread to other body parts, including the brain. Pancreatic cancer is an uncontrolled cancerous growth in the pancreas, usually in the cells that produce insulin.

Erlofast 150mg Tablet contains 'Erlotinib' that belongs to the group of medicines known as 'kinase inhibitors'. It works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In this way, it prevents the spread of cancerous cells.

Take Erlofast 150mg Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Erlofast 150mg Tablet as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition.  In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as abdominal pain, bone pain, breathlessness, constipation, cough, diarrhea, edema (swelling), fatigue, fever, infection, muscle pain, nausea, rash, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), vomiting, weight loss abnormal blood tests for the liver function. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.

To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take Erlofast 150mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy and breastfeeding as Erlofast 150mg Tablet causes serious congenital disabilities. Older adults are more sensitive to medicine so that they may adjust the dosage according to the condition. While taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Regular blood tests are required to monitor liver function and blood cells in the blood while taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Erlofast 150mg Tablet as it could lead to increased dizziness.

Uses of Erlofast 150mg Tablet

Treatment of Lung cancer, Pancreatic cancer.

Medicinal Benefits

Erlofast 150mg Tablet is prescribed to the patients dealing with nonsmall cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Cancer of this type tends to spread quickly in other parts of the body. Erlofast 150mg Tablet travel through the bloodstream and effectively destroy cancerous cells of the lung, pancreas, and other body parts. Erlofast 150mg Tablet contains Erlotinib is a 'tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)' that stops the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancerous cells. It acts by blocking the abnormal protein's action that is responsible for the multiplication of cancerous cells. Whenever a new healthy cell is formed, it undergoes a usual process of maturity. Cancerous cells form new cells more quickly, so Erlofast 150mg Tablet targets cancerous cells and block the action of Tyrosine kinases enzymes (responsible for causing cancer). It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, Erlofast 150mg Tablet stops the production, spread, and growth of cancerous cells in the body. 

Side Effects of Erlofast 150mg Tablet

  • ​​​​Stomach pain
  • Bone pain
  • Breathlessness
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Changes in vision
  • Partial hair loss (by strands, not typically in clumps)
  • Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
  • Weight loss
  • Abnormal blood tests for the liver function

Directions for Use

Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Drug Warnings

Do not take Erlofast 150mg Tablet if you are allergic to Erlofast 150mg Tablet or any of its ingredients. While taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet, you might become more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to protect your skin with a high sun protection factor (SPF) while going out as it can lead to a skin rash if you are not using a strong SPF. Erlofast 150mg Tablet can cause leg swelling and water retention or fluid overload (edema), so if you have unexpected rapid weight gain, please consult your doctor. Do not take Erlofast 150mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and breastfeeding as it could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control measures while taking this medication and for at least 1 month after your last dose. Erlofast 150mg Tablet is not recommended for children and adolescents. You are advised to stop smoking while taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet as smoking could decrease this medication's effect. Erlofast 150mg Tablet may make you more susceptible to infections, consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections, fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding, or bruising.  Erlofast 150mg Tablet may cause blurry vision and dizziness, so do not drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration. Before undergoing any surgery, it is advised to tell the medical professional who performs the procedure about all the medicines you are taking. 

Therapeutic Class

ANTINEOPLASTIC

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
ErlotinibRabeprazole
Critical
ErlotinibOmeprazole
Critical

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip
ERLOTINIB-150MGGrapefruit and Grapefruit Juice
Moderate

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • ​​​​​​Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles, reduce fatigue, aids in weight loss, and give strength. Gentle exercises like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
  • Performing yoga and other relaxation techniques may also improve physical and mental health and reduce stress levels.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
  • Get adequate sleep as resting helps in improving your health, mental ability and improves attention.
  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listen to soothing music.
  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
  • Foods containing fiber help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains,  nuts, and seeds.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. 

Habit Forming

No

What if I have taken an overdose of Erlofast 150mg Tablet

Take Erlofast 150mg Tablet only as prescribed by the physician. Avoid exceeding the recommended dose as it could lead to an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhoea and rash. If you experience these symptoms or suspect you have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
bannner image

Alcohol

Unsafe

You are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Erlofast 150mg Tablet as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentrating.

bannner image

Pregnancy

Unsafe

Erlofast 150mg Tablet is restricted to use in pregnancy. A woman needs to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or at least 6 months after taking the last dose of Erlofast 150mg Tablet.

bannner image

Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Erlofast 150mg Tablet should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant.

bannner image

Driving

Caution

It is not known if Erlofast 150mg Tablet affects your driving ability or not. Drive only if you are physically stable and mentally focussed. If you experience drowsiness after taking this medication, you should not drive or operate any machinery or vehicles.

bannner image

Liver

Caution

Erlofast 150mg Tablet should be taken with caution in patients dealing with liver disease. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.

bannner image

Kidney

Caution

Erlofast 150mg Tablet is safe to take by patients dealing with kidney disease as prescribed by their doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.

bannner image

Children

Unsafe

Erlofast 150mg Tablet is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

Country of origin

India
Other Info - ER20494

Author Details

Doctor imageWe provide you with authentic, trustworthy and relevant information

FAQs

Erlofast 150mg Tablet is used to treat lung and pancreatic cancer.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet contains Erlotinib, an anti-cancer medication that works by preventing the activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hence induces cell death (apoptosis). As a result, the growth and spread of cancer cells in stopped or slowed down.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer followed by coughing.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Erlofast 150mg Tablet only after asking with a doctor as they may adjust the dosing according to the patient's condition.
In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is more if you are taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet. For the patients who are elderly, dose adjustment might be required or your doctor might prescribe any other medication safe for the elderly.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
No, It is advised to maintain a gap between both the medicines, as use of antacids along with Erlofast 150mg Tablet may affect the way the Erlofast 150mg Tablet works. Consult your doctor for further information.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients using anticoagulants. Erlofast 150mg Tablet may increase your tendency to bleed. Talk to your doctor, he will need to regularly monitor you with some blood tests.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy were not established.
No, you should not take Erlofast 150mg Tablet if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant as it may cause harm to an unborn baby. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
No, do not take Erlofast 150mg Tablet with food. It can be taken orally on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet is a targeted therapy used to treat specific types of non-small cell lung cancer that spread to nearby tissues or any other parts of the body in patients who have previously undergone at least one chemotherapy treatment without improvement.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet should be taken for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, depending on your medical condition. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding the duration of treatment.
Yes, Smoking may interfere with Erlofast 150mg Tablet. It lowers the levels of Erlofast 150mg Tablet in the blood, potentially reducing its effectiveness in treating the cancer. Avoid smoking while on treatment with Erlofast 150mg Tablet to treat your condition effectively.
Inform the doctor if you notice a rash while taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet as it could be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet may harm the foetus. Therefore, it is not recommended to become pregnant during treatment with Erlofast 150mg Tablet. Use effective birth control while taking Erlofast 150mg Tablet and for at least one month after your final dose. Talk to the doctor if you plan to become pregnant; the doctor will provide guidance on the same.
Erlofast 150mg Tablet may cause sparse eyelashes (thinning of eyelashes), blepharitis (inflammation of eyelids), and diffuse conjunctival congestion (redness of the eye). Consult the doctor if you notice any eye problems.
Call your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, worsening shortness of breath or cough, new or worsening rash, blistering or peeling of the skin, eye irritation or any changes in smoking habits during treatment with Erlofast 150mg Tablet.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.