Tarceva and Itching: What Users Say

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2014

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My boyfriend has Stage IV Adenocarcinoma mets to lymph nodes and chest bones. Within 2 months of starting Tarceva (started with 150 mg, reduced to 100 mg), his scans showed 90% improvement! It is incredible. The only reason I do not give it a 10 rating is that one of the common side effects is a very bad rash. After 3 months, the rash has not subsided. It looks like a cross between measles, poison ivy, and bad acne. It itches and burns too. We have tried all kinds of treatments, OTC and prescription, and nothing seems to touch it."

• Dau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2014

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My 83-year-old mother has been on Tarceva since early December 2013. She had a chest CT scan in late February, and it revealed only decreases in the size of her tumor and affected lymph nodes. There were no new developments and still no metastasis to her left lung. Prior to Tarceva, she had two rounds of chemo and had less positive effects. She has a lot of itchy, dry skin with some burning/pain. We have managed to get a foothold on the dry skin, but the itching/burning is becoming a concern. We will try a dermatologist to see if they can recommend something more effective than topical creams and lotions since she says that the burning/pain is more subcutaneous. Don't want her to have to stop taking Tarceva, it seems to be working!"

• 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."