Erlotinib Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Taken
- Oral
- Label
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, revised June 10, 2024 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (8 companies) · details
What it is used for
Erlotinib tablets are a kinase inhibitor indicated for: The treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test receiving first-line, maintenance, or second or greater line treatment after progression following at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. (1.1) First-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine. (1.2) Limitations of Use: Safety and efficacy of erlotinib tablets has not been established in patients with NSCLC whose tumors have other EGFR mutations. (1.1) Erlotinib tablets are not recommended for use in combination with platinum- based chemotherapy. (1.1)
1.1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Erlotinib tablets are indicated for: The treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test receiving first-line, maintenance, or second or greater line treatment after progression following at least one prior chemotherapy regimen [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.3)]. Limitations of use: Safety and efficacy of erlotinib tablets have not been established in patients with NSCLC whose tumors have other EGFR mutations [see Clinical Studies (14.1, 14.2)]. Erlotinib tablets are not recommended for use in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy [see Clinical Studies (14.4)].
1.2 Pancreatic Cancer Erlotinib tablet in combination with gemcitabine is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer [see Clinical Studies (14.5)].
Forms and strengths
Erlotinib tablets are available in the following strengths: Erlotinib tablets 25 mg are round, biconvex, white film-coated tablet debossed with “L55” on one side and plain on other side. Erlotinib tablets 100 mg are round, biconvex, white film-coated tablet debossed with “L630” on one side and plain on other side. Erlotinib tablets 150 mg are round, biconvex, white film-coated tablet debossed with “L631” on one side and plain on other side. Tablets: 25 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg (3)
Who should not take it (contraindications)
None. None. (4)
Warnings and precautions
Interstitial lung disease (ILD): Occurs in 1.1% of patients. Withhold erlotinib for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough and fever. Discontinue erlotinib if ILD is diagnosed. (5.1) Renal failure: Monitor renal function and electrolytes, particularly in patients at risk of dehydration. Withhold erlotinib for severe renal toxicity. (5.2) Hepatotoxicity: Occurs with or without hepatic impairment, including hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome: Monitor periodic liver testing. Withhold or discontinue erlotinib for severe or worsening liver tests. (5.3) Gastrointestinal perforations: Discontinue erlotinib. (5.4) Bullous and exfoliative skin disorders: Discontinue erlotinib. (5.5) Cerebrovascular accident (CVA): The risk of CVA is increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. (5.6) Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA): The risk of MAHA is increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. (5.7) Ocular disorders: Discontinue erlotinib for corneal perforation, ulceration or persistent severe keratitis. (5.8) Hemorrhage in patients taking warfarin: Regularly monitor INR in patients taking warfarin or other coumarin-derivative anticoagulants. (5.9) Embryo-fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.10, 8.1, 8.3)
5.1 Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Cases of serious ILD, including fatal cases, can occur with erlotinib treatment. The overall incidence of ILD in approximately 32,000 erlotinib-treated patients in uncontrolled studies and studies with concurrent chemotherapy was approximately 1.1%. In patients with ILD, the onset of symptoms was between 5 days to more than 9 months (median 39 days) after initiating erlotinib therapy. Withhold erlotinib for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever pending diagnostic evaluation. If ILD is confirmed, permanently discontinue erlotinib [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
5.2 Renal Failure Hepatorenal syndrome, severe acute renal failure including fatal cases, and renal insufficiency can occur with erlotinib treatment. Renal failure may arise from exacerbation of underlying baseline hepatic impairment or severe dehydration. The pooled incidence of severe renal impairment in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 0.5% in the erlotinib arms and 0.8% in the control arms. The incidence of renal impairment in the pancreatic cancer study was 1.4% in the erlotinib plus gemcitabine arm and 0.4% in the control arm. Withhold erlotinib in patients developing severe renal impairment until renal toxicity is resolved. Perform periodic monitoring of renal function and serum electrolytes during erlotinib treatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
5.3 Hepatotoxicity with or without Hepatic Impairment Hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome, including fatal cases, can occur with erlotinib treatment in patients with normal hepatic function; the risk of hepatic toxicity is increased in patients with baseline hepatic impairment. In clinical studies where patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment were excluded, the pooled incidence of hepatic failure in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 0.4% in the erlotinibarms and 0% in the control arms. The incidence of hepatic failure in the pancreatic cancer study was 0.4% in the erlotinib plus gemcitabine arm and 0.4% in the control arm. In a pharmacokinetic study in 15 patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B) associated with significant liver tumor burden, 10 of these 15 patients died within 30 days of the last erlotinibdose. One patient died from hepatorenal syndrome, 1 patient died from rapidly progressing liver failure and the remaining 8 patients died from progressive disease. Six out of the 10 patients who died had baseline total bilirubin > 3 x ULN. Perform periodic liver testing (transaminases, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase) during treatment with erlotinib. Increased frequency of monitoring of liver function is required for patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or biliary obstruction. Withhold erlotinib in patients without pre-existing hepatic impairment for total bilirubin levels greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal or transaminases greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal. Withhold erlotinibin patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or biliary obstruction for doubling of bilirubin or tripling of transaminases values over baseline. Discontinue erlotinibin patients whose abnormal liver tests meeting the above criteria do not improve significantly or resolve within three weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
5.4 Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation, including fatal cases, can occur with erlotinibtreatment. Patients receiving concomitant anti-angiogenic agents, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, or taxane-based chemotherapy, or who have prior history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease may be at increased risk of perforation [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)] . The pooled incidence of gastrointestinal perforation in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 0.2% in the erlotinibarms and 0.1% in the control arms. The incidence of gastrointestinal perforation in the pancreatic cancer study was 0.4% in the erlotinibplus gemcitabine arm and 0% in the control arm. Permanently discontinue erlotinibin patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
5.5 Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders Bullous, blistering and exfoliative skin conditions, including cases suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, which in some cases were fatal, can occur with erlotinibtreatment [see Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2)] . The pooled incidence of bullous and exfoliative skin disorders in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 1.2% in the erlotinibarms and 0% in the control arms. The incidence of bullous and exfoliative skin disorders in the pancreatic cancer study was 0.4% in the erlotinibplus gemcitabine arm and 0% in the control arm. Discontinue erlotinibtreatment if the patient develops severe bullous, blistering or exfoliating conditions [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
5.6 Cerebrovascular Accident In the pancreatic carcinoma trial, seven patients in the erlotinib /gemcitabine group developed cerebrovascular accidents (incidence: 2.5%). One of these was hemorrhagic and was the only fatal event. In comparison, in the placebo/gemcitabine group there were no cerebrovascular accidents. The pooled incidence of cerebrovascular accident in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 0.6% in the erlotinib arms and not higher than that observed in the control arms.
5.7 Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia with Thrombocytopenia The pooled incidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 0% in the erlotinib arms and 0.1% in the control arms. The incidence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia in the pancreatic cancer study was 1.4% in the erlotinib plus gemcitabine arm and 0% in the control arm.
5.8 Ocular Disorders Decreased tear production, abnormal eyelash growth, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or keratitis can occur with erlotinib treatment and can lead to corneal perforation or ulceration [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) and (6.2)] . The pooled incidence of ocular disorders in the 3 monotherapy lung cancer studies was 17.8% in the erlotinib arms and 4% in the control arms. The incidence of ocular disorders in the pancreatic cancer study was 12.8% in the erlotinib plus gemcitabine arm and 11.4% in the control arm. Interrupt or discontinue erlotinib therapy if patients present with acute or worsening ocular disorders such as eye pain [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)]. […]
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following serious adverse reactions, which may include fatalities, are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Hepatotoxicity with or without Hepatic Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Cerebrovascular Accident [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia with Thrombocytopenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Ocular Disorders [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Hemorrhage in Patients Taking Warfarin [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) with erlotinib from a pooled analysis in patients with NSCLC across all approved lines of therapy, with and without EGFR mutations, and in patients with pancreatic cancer were rash, diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, dyspnea, cough, nausea, and vomiting. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Safety evaluation of erlotinib is based on more than 1200 cancer patients who received erlotinib as monotherapy, more than 300 patients who received erlotinib 100 or 150 mg plus gemcitabine, and 1228 patients who received erlotinib concurrently with other chemotherapies. The most common adverse reactions with erlotinib are rash and diarrhea usually with onset during the first month of treatment. The incidences of rash and diarrhea from clinical studies of erlotinib for the treatment of NSCLC and pancreatic cancer were 70% for rash and 42% for diarrhea. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer First-Line Treatment of Patients with EGFR Mutations The most frequent (≥ 30%) adverse reactions in erlotinib-treated patients were diarrhea, asthenia, rash, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In erlotinib-treated patients the median time to onset of rash was 15 days and the median time to onset of diarrhea was 32 days. The most frequent Grade 3 to 4 adverse reactions in erlotinib-treated patients were rash and diarrhea. Dose interruptions or reductions due to adverse reactions occurred in 37% of erlotinib-treated patients, and 14.3% of erlotinib-treated patients discontinued therapy due to adverse reactions. In erlotinib-treated patients, the most frequently reported adverse reactions leading to dose modification were rash (13%), diarrhea (10%), and asthenia (3.6%). Common adverse reactions in Study 1, occurring in at least 10% of patients who received erlotinib or chemotherapy and an increase in ≥ 5% in the erlotinib-treated group, are graded by National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 (NCI-CTCAE v3.0) Grade in Table 1. The median duration of erlotinib treatment was 9.6 months in Study 1. Table 1: Adverse Reactions with an Incidence Rate ≥ 10% and an Increase of ≥ 5% in the Erlotinib-Treated Group (Study 1) Adverse Reaction Erlotinib N = 84 Chemotherapy † N = 83 All Grades % Grades 3 to 4 % All Grades % Grades 3 to 4 % Rash ‡ 85 14 5 0 Diarrhea 62 5 21 1 Cough 48 1 40 0 Dyspnea 45 8 30 4 Dry skin 21 1 2 0 Back pain 19 2 5 0 Chest pain 18 1 12 0 Conjunctivitis 18 0 0 0 Mucosal inflammation 18 1 6 0 Pruritus 16 0 1 0 Paronychia 14 0 0 0 Arthralgia 13 1 6 1 Musculoskeletal pain 11 1 1 0 † Platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin with gemcitabine or docetaxel). ‡ Rash as a composite term includes rash, acne, folliculitis, erythema, acneiform dermatitis, dermatitis, palmar- plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, exfoliative rash, erythematous rash, rash pruritic, skin toxicity, eczema, follicular rash, skin ulcer. Hepatic Toxicity: One erlotinib-treated patient experienced fatal hepatic failure and four additional patients experienced grade 3 to 4 liver test abnormalities in Study 1 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Maintenance Treatment Adverse reactions, regardless of causality, that occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with single-agent erlotinib at 150 mg and at least 3% more often than in the placebo group in the randomized maintenance trial (Study 3) are summarized by NCI-CTCAE v3.0 Grade in Table 2. The most common adverse reactions in patients receiving single-agent erlotinib 150 mg were rash and diarrhea. Grade 3 to 4 rash and diarrhea occurred in 9% and 2%, respectively, in erlotinib-treated patients. Rash and diarrhea resulted in study discontinuation in 1% and 0.5% of erlotinib-treated patients, respectively. Dose reduction or interruption for rash and diarrhea was needed in 5% and 3% of patients, respectively. In erlotinib-treated patients the median time to onset of rash was 10 days, and the median time to onset of diarrhea was 15 days. Table 2: NSCLC Maintenance Study: Adverse Reactions Occurring with an Incidence Rate ≥ 10% and an Increase of ≥ 5% in the Single-Agent Erlotinib Group compared to the Placebo Group (Study 3) Adverse Reaction Erlotinib N = 433 PLACEBO N = 445 Any Grade Grade 3 Grade 4 Any Grade Grade 3 Grade 4 % % % % % % Rash † 60 9 0 9 0 0 Diarrhea 20 2 0 4 0 0 † Rash as a composite term includes: rash, acne, acneiform dermatitis, skin fissures, erythema, papular rash, rash generalized, pruritic rash, skin exfoliation, urticaria, dermatitis, eczema, exfoliative rash, exfoliative dermatitis, furuncle, macular rash, pustular rash, skin hyperpigmentation, skin reaction, skin ulcer. Liver test abnormalities including ALT elevations were observed at Grade 2 or greater severity in 3% of erlotinib-treated patients and 1% of placebo-treated patients. Grade 2 and above bilirubin elevations were observed in 5% of erlotinib-treated patients and in < 1% in the placebo group [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] . Second/Third Line Treatment Adverse reactions, regardless of causality, that occurred in at least 10% of patients treated with single-agent erlotinib at 150 mg and at least 5% more often than in the placebo group in the randomized trial of patients with NSCLC are summarized by NCI-CTC v2.0 Grade in Table 3. The most common adverse reactions in this patient population were rash and diarrhea. Grade 3 to 4 rash and diarrhea occurred in 9% and 6%, respectively, in erlotinib-treated patients. Rash and diarrhea each resulted in study discontinuation in 1% of erlotinib-treated patients. Six percent and 1% of patients needed dose reduction for rash and diarrhea, respectively. The median time to onset of rash was 8 days, and the median time to onset of diarrhea was 12 days. Table 3: NSCLC 2 nd /3 rd Line Study: Adverse Reactions Occurring with an Incidence Rate ≥ 10% and an Increase of ≥ 5% in the Single-Agent Erlotinib Group Compared to the Placebo Group (Study 4) Adverse Reaction Erlotinib 150 mg N=485 Placebo N=242 Any Grade Grade 3 Grade 4 Any Grade Grade 3 Grade 4 % % % % % % Rash † 75 8 <1 17 0 0 Diarrhea 54 6 <1 18 <1 0 Anorexia 52 8 1 38 5 <1 Fatigue 52 14 4 45 16 4 Dyspnea 41 17 11 35 15 11 Nausea 33 3 0 24 2 0 Infection 24 4 0 15 2 0 Stomatitis 17 <1 0 3 0 0 Pruritus 13 <1 0 5 0 0 Dry skin 12 0 0 4 0 0 Conjunctivitis 12 <1 0 2 <1 0 Keratoconjunctivitis sicca 12 0 0 3 0 0 † Rash as a composite term includes: rash, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, acne, skin disorder, pigmentation disorder, erythema, skin ulcer, exfoliative dermatitis, papular rash, skin desquamation. Liver function test abnormalities [including elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin] were observed in patients receiving single-agent erlotinib 150 mg. […]
Drug interactions
CYP3A4 Inhibitors Co-administration of erlotinib with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor increased erlotinib exposure. Erlotinib is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2. Increased erlotinib exposure may increase the risk of exposure-related toxicity [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Avoid co-administering erlotinib with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole, grapefruit or grapefruit juice) or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor (e.g., ciprofloxacin). Reduce the erlotinib dosage when co-administering with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor if co-administration is unavoidable [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . CYP3A4 Inducers Pre-treatment with a CYP3A4 inducer prior to erlotinib decreased erlotinib exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Increase the erlotinib dosage if co-administration with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, phenobarbital and St. John's wort) is unavoidable [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . CYP1A2 Inducers and Cigarette Smoking Cigarette smoking decreased erlotinib exposure. Avoid smoking tobacco (CYP1A2 inducer) and avoid concomitant use of erlotinib with moderate CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., teriflunomide, rifampin, or phenytoin). Increase the erlotinib dosage in patients that smoke tobacco or when co-administration with moderate CYP1A2 inducers is unavoidable [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Drugs the Increase Gastric pH Co-administration of erlotinib with proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) and H-2 receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine) decreased erlotinib exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . For proton pump inhibitors, avoid concomitant use if possible. For H-2 receptor antagonists and antacids, modify the dosing schedule [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . Increasing the dose of erlotinib when co-administered with gastric PH elevating agents is not likely to compensate for the loss of exposure. Anticoagulants Interaction with coumarin-derived anticoagulants, including warfarin, leading to increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) and bleeding adverse reactions, which in some cases were fatal, have been reported in patients receiving erlotinib. Regularly monitor prothrombin time or INR in patients taking coumarin-derived anticoagulants. Dose modification of erlotinib is not recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . CYP3A4 inhibitors or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor increase erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, reduce erlotinib dose. (2.4, 7) CYP3A4 inducers decrease erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, increase erlotinib dose. (2.4, 7) Cigarette smoking and CYP1A2 inducers decrease erlotinib plasma concentrations. Avoid concomitant use. If not possible, increase erlotinib dose. (2.4, 7) Drugs that increase gastric pH decrease erlotinib plasma concentrations. For proton pump inhibitors avoid concomitant use if possible. For H-2 receptor antagonists, take erlotinib 10 hours after H-2 receptor antagonist dosing. For use with antacids, separate dosing by several hours. (2.4, 7)
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
Lactation: Do not breastfeed (8.2)
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data and its mechanism of action, erlotinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Limited available data on use of erlotinib in pregnant women are not sufficient to inform a risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. When given during organogenesis, erlotinib administration resulted in embryo-fetal lethality and abortion in rabbits at exposures approximately 3 times the exposure at the recommended human daily dose of 150 mg. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Animal Data Erlotinib has been shown to cause maternal toxicity resulting in embryo-fetal lethality and abortion in rabbits when given during the period of organogenesis at doses that result in plasma drug concentrations approximately 3 times those achieved at the recommended dose in humans (AUCs at 150 mg daily dose). During the same period, there was no increase in the incidence of embryo-fetal lethality or abortion in rabbits or rats at doses resulting in exposures approximately equal to those in humans at the recommended daily dose. In an independent fertility study female rats treated with 30 mg/m 2 /day or 60 mg/m 2 /day (0.3 or 0.7 times the recommended daily dose, on a mg/m 2 basis) of erlotinib had an increase in early resorptions that resulted in a decrease in the number of live fetuses. No teratogenic effects were observed in rabbits or rats dosed with erlotinib during organogenesis at doses up to 600 mg/m 2 /day in the rabbit (3 times the plasma drug concentration seen in humans at 150 mg/day) and up to 60 mg/m 2 /day in the rat (0.7 times the recommended dose of 150 mg/day on a mg/m 2 basis).
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of erlotinib in human milk, or the effects of erlotinib on the breastfed infant or on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants from erlotinib, including interstitial lung disease, hepatotoxicity, bullous and exfoliative skin disorders, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with thrombocytopenia, ocular disorders, and diarrhea. Advise a lactating woman not to breastfeed during treatment with erlotinib and for 2 weeks after the final dose.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Females Erlotinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with erlotinib and for one month after the last dose of erlotinib.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of erlotinib in pediatric patients have not been established. In an open-label, multicenter trial, 25 pediatric patients (median age 14 years, range 3 to 20 years) with recurrent or refractory ependymoma were randomized (1:1) to erlotinib or etoposide. Thirteen patients received erlotinib at a dose of 85 mg/m 2 /day orally until disease progression, death, patient request, investigator decision to discontinue study drug, or intolerable toxicity. Four patients randomized to etoposide also received erlotinib following disease progression. The trial was terminated prematurely for lack of efficacy; there were no objective responses observed in these 17 erlotinib-treated patients. No new adverse events were identified in the pediatric population. Based on the population pharmacokinetics analysis conducted in 105 pediatric patients (2 to 21 years old) with cancer, the geometric mean estimates of CL/F/BSA (apparent clearance normalized to body surface area) were comparable across the three age groups: 2 to 6 years (n = 29), 7 to 16 years (n = 59), and 17 to 21 years (n = 17).
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 1297 subjects in clinical studies of erlotinib for the treatment of NSCLC and pancreatic cancer 40% were 65 and older while 10% were 75 and older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between subjects 65 years and older and those younger than 65.
8.6 Hepatic Impairment Hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome, including fatal cases, can occur with erlotinib treatment in patients with normal hepatic function; the risk of hepatic toxicity is increased in patients with baseline hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), and Dosage and Administration] . Monitor patients with hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than upper limit of normal (ULN) or Child-Pugh A, B and C) during therapy with erlotinib. Treatment with erlotinib should be used with increased monitoring in patients with total bilirubin greater than 3 x ULN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1, 6.2), and Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
How it works
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface of both normal and cancer cells. In some tumor cells signaling through this receptor plays a role in tumor cell survival and proliferation irrespective of EGFR mutation status. Erlotinib reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues associated with the receptor and thereby inhibiting further downstream signaling. Erlotinib binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 (L858R) mutations is higher than its affinity for the wild type receptor. Erlotinib inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors has not been fully characterized.
Is there a generic Erlotinib Hydrochloride?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Erlotinib Hydrochloride from 8 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2014.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Adaptis, Alembic, Chartwell Rx, Hetero Labs Ltd V, Msn, Rising, Teva Pharms Usa Inc, Zydus Pharms
Brand-name versions
- Tarceva Osi Pharms, approved 2004 Discontinued
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID ab6f3cb3-34a8-4492-a5d7-fb6b055a2d6b.