Drug Interaction Report

OXcarbazepine may reduce the blood levels of erlotinib, which may make the medication less effective in some cases. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your condition changes. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of OXcarbazepine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with OXcarbazepine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of OXcarbazepine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Erlotinib should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal and at the same time each day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking erlotinib. Food and grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of erlotinib from the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to higher blood levels of the medication and possibly increased side effects. If you are a smoker, you should try to quit as soon as you can. Cigarette smoking can reduce the blood levels of erlotinib, which may make the medication less effective in treating your cancer. It is best to avoid smoking during erlotinib therapy. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. If you start smoking or undergo smoking cessation, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of erlotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.