What common side effects may I experience with Tarceva?
A. Fatigue, rash, nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea were the most common side effects associated with the Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy in a large clinical study. Severe rash and diarrhea were each reported in 5% of patients receiving Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy in this same large clinical study. The rash associated with the Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy may appear on your body or face, typically within 8-10 days of starting this treatment. However, the rash may occur anytime during this treatment. The rash associated with Tarceva is not an allergic reaction and may look like acne or dry skin, but it is not acne. Avoid acne-related treatments, including products with benzoyl peroxide. Please contact your doctor if you develop a rash. Typically, diarrhea may develop within 15 days of starting the Tarceva plus gemcitabine therapy. Let your doctor or nurse know if you experience side effects.
