Tarceva and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Sha...
• January 18, 2012

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My mother was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in Mar 2011. Although she tested negative for the EGFR gene mutation, her oncologist started her on the Tarceva this past November. Two months later (yesterday, 1/17/12), we received her latest CT scan results. My mom's primary lung tumor has shrunk 80-90% and her lymph nodes have also markedly decreased in size! It is truly a miracle! The oncologist thinks my mom had a false negative on the EGFR to get these fantastic results. My mother never got the rash, but did have some diarrhea at first. The hardest part is avoiding dairy while trying to maintain her weight (Tarceva can cause some weight loss). The pharmacy that sends my mom the Tarceva has been so helpful to her also."

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2011

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My 63-year-old mom was diagnosed with the EGFR gene mutation, stage IV lung cancer 4 months ago. The cancer was also in her brain, lung, and bone. Since Tarceva started, she has done extremely well. Her recent scan showed a 70% decrease of tumor size on the lung, the spot on the liver is gone, and the ones on her brain are slowly getting smaller, even with a direct hit of full brain radiation. She has had some side effects such as rash, which she was very annoyed with but went away, diarrhea which she still has, and recently stomach pain. Hoping it subsides."

• ldo...
• April 18, 2011

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "In March 11, 2011, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. My oncologist prescribed Tarceva once a day, 150 mg. I had the normal side effects: diarrhea and rash. Both were controlled, the rash was treated with antibiotics, and the diarrhea just went away by itself. I understand this pill is a maintenance therapy pill. It seems to work well on me. Tomorrow, April 18, is my appointment, I had an X-ray yesterday. I still have to know the outcome, but I am already feeling well. I had thoracentesis before my diagnosis due to pleural effusion. Reading the posts here on this site gives me positive hope that Tarceva works well for patients with NSCLC."

• Dad...
• October 1, 2015

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 4 NSCLC in Oct. 2014. It had metastasized into my right humerus. After radiation and chemo, the cancer went into remission. So, I was put on Tarceva 150. It's been typical side effects like face rash, diarrhea, and feeling tired all the time. However, I have had 3 PET scans at 3 months apart, all negative. I am a 52-year-old man, non-smoker."

• sti...
• July 8, 2016

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Stage 4 lung cancer that had gone into my bones from my shoulders to my hips, spine, and liver was found on 5/6/2015. After 6 rounds of radiation on my spine to defer some of the pain and 2 months in the hospital, I started taking Tarceva as the only option besides chemo or dying within 5-6 months. Here I am, 14 months later, getting ready to start a new pill because the Tarceva has shown signs of not working as well. The cancer has shown signs of regenerating in the lung and liver again. The bones are staying about the same. Side effects in the beginning were a very bad rash on my face and not quite as bad on my torso, and diarrhea. All treated with antibiotics and other meds as per doctor's orders. After a month, my face and body began to clear."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2020

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in Feb 2019, just days before my 68th birthday. Tumors in both lungs with mets to brain consisting of 9 smallish tumors. I was given 1 session of radiation for the brain tumors and started on a course of 150 Tarceva. Various side effects - intermittent diarrhea, dry skin, hair thinning and hair growth very slow, nail bed infection around 2 toes, eye irritation. None of these side effects have been debilitating, and I can certainly put up with them after my first series of scans since beginning the medication 3 months ago have shown a significant regression of all tumors, with one tumor in my brain disappearing completely."

• Jmv...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2024

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I had lung cancer in February last year and had my upper lobe removed. Took UFT oral chemotherapy, the side effects were so bad. Then, last July, I found out the cancer spread to my spine, and I really had trouble sleeping or sitting because of the pain. So, I went on six radiation treatments, and quickly, the pain was gone. I felt so great, it seems like I don't have any cancer. Then my doctor prescribed me Tarceva 150 mg with Cyramza IV 500 ml. At first, I had diarrhea and high blood pressure, but I didn't bother at all. However, the skin rash was so bad, my face was covered with something that looks like poison ivy, severe acne where I thought my nose might fall off. I couldn't touch my skin, I was in so much pain and itchiness. They gave me antibiotics and steroids, but to no effect. But after two weeks, my CEA level from 6.9 went down to 1.6. For now, my doctor stopped Tarceva and will return to it when my skin heals, but to be honest, I don't want to anymore. It's so traumatic. Aside from the skin rash, it's really effective."