What is the recommended dosing for Tarceva?
The recommended once-daily dose of Tarceva for the treatment of NSCLC is 150 mg taken orally on an empty stomach. Since food substantially increases the bioavailability of erlotinib and may increase the risk of adverse reactions, patients should be instructed to take Tarceva on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. The degree that food increases the bioavailability of erlotinib may vary; therefore, Tarceva tablets should be taken on an empty stomach to help ensure that patients obtain consistent plasma levels of the drug. Administering Tarceva above 150 mg daily may result in an unacceptable incidence of severe adverse reactions, such as diarrhea, rash, and liver transaminase elevation. If the dose is missed, Tarceva can be taken at any time during the same day between meals. If the daily dose is missed entirely, the regularly prescribed dose should be taken the next day. Do not double the daily dose of Tarceva. Treatment should continue un
