Erlotinib Cost in Egypt is very expensive if you don’t have insurance. Kinase is an enzyme that promotes cell growth. There are several types of kinases, which control different phases of cell growth. By preventing a particular enzyme from working, this medicine can slow down the growth of cancer cells.
Erlotinib is a small molecule drug that inhibits the enzyme tyrosine kinase associated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In some cancers, this receptor is overactive, causing cells to grow and divide too quickly. By inhibiting EGFR, erlotinib prevents the uncontrolled growth of cells that contribute to tumor growth. Your oncology team will test your tumor for this abnormality, which must be present in order to receive the drug.
How to take Erlotinib – Check Cost of Erlotinib in Egypt
If we talk about Erlotinib cost in Egypt then it is quite very expensive. Erlotinib is taken by mouth once a day, as a tablet. It is usually taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal or snack. Take erlotinib at around the same times every day. Take the tablet whole, do not break, crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take another dose. Take the next dose at the normally scheduled time. If you have trouble swallowing the medicine, consult your pharmacist or provider.
It is important to make sure that you are taking the correct amount of medicine each time. Before each dose, check that what you are taking matches the dose prescribed for you.
The blood level of this medicine may be affected by certain foods and medicines, so these should be avoided. These include: grapefruit, grapefruit juice, verapamil, ketoconazole, rifampin, phenytoin, St. John’s wort, warfarin, and modafinil. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements you take.
You should not take erlotinib at the same time as “heartburn” medicines, because this may affect the way your cancer medicine is absorbed. These include proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec (omeprazole), Nexium (pantoprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole); H2 blockers, such as Pepcid (famotidine); and antacids, such as Tums (calcium-carbonate) and Rolaids (calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide). If needed, please ask your care team which “heartburn” medicine to use and when to take it.
Cigarette smoking may also affect the blood level of this drug. If you are currently smoking, or if you have quit smoking while taking this medicine, be sure to inform your healthcare provider, as the dose you receive may need to be adjusted. Erlotinib cost in Egypt is only cheaper if we choose generic option.
For patients taking blood thinners
This medication may interact with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin). The combination of these medicines may make it take longer for your blood to clot, which may increase your risk of serious bleeding. Your healthcare provider will often monitor your INR (a blood test to measure clotting time). Be sure to tell your provider about any bleeding.
storage and handling
Store your medicine in the original, labeled container at room temperature and in a dry place (unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider or pharmacist). This medicine should not be stored in a pillbox. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets.
If a caregiver prepares the dose for you, they should consider wearing gloves or pour the pills directly from their container with the cap, into a small cup, or directly into your hand. We need to know some other thing also before knowing Erlotinib cost in Egypt. They should avoid touching the bullets. They should always wash their hands before and after giving you medicine. Pregnant or lactating women should not prepare supplements for you. Ask your oncology team where to return any unused medicine for disposal. Do not flush water down the toilet or throw it in the dustbin.
Where can I get this medicine?
Erlotinib is available through select specialty pharmacies. Your oncology team will work with your prescription drug plan to identify an in-network specialty pharmacy for distribution and shipment of this medication directly to your home.
insurance information
This drug may be covered under your prescription drug plan. Patient assistance may be available to eligible individuals based on prescription drug coverage. Co-pay cards, which reduce patient co-pay responsibility for eligible commercially (non-government sponsored) insured patients, may also be available. Erlotinib cost in Egypt is not economical so patient prefers to buy it online. If these resources are available, your care team can help you find them.
Possible side effects of erlotinib
There are several things you can do to manage the side effects of erlotinib. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:
nail and skin changes
There are some unique nail and skin side effects of erlotinib that you may develop. Patients may have a rash. Although this rash may look like acne, it is not and should not be treated with acne medications . The rash may be red, swollen, scaly, dry and painful. Your skin may become very dry or dark, which may crack, itch, or become scaly or scaly. The rash usually begins in the first week of treatment but may occur at any time during treatment. Tips for managing your skin include:
- Use a thick, alcohol-free emollient lotion or cream on your skin at least twice a day, including immediately after showering.
- Avoid exposure to sunlight, as this may worsen the rash or cause severe burns. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and face from the sun.
- Take a shower with cool or lukewarm (not hot) water and pat your skin dry.
- Use soaps, lotions and laundry detergents without alcohol, perfumes or dyes.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing housework or gardening.
- Drink plenty of water and try not to scratch or rub your skin.
- Notify your healthcare team if you get a rash, as they can make suggestions to manage the rash and/or prescribe topical medication or oral medication to apply to the rash.
- If your skin peels or blisters, notify your health care team right away.
While receiving erlotinib, you may get swelling of the skin around the nail bed/cuticle areas of the toes or fingers, called paronychia. It may appear red, swollen, or pus-filled. Nails may develop “ridges” or fall off. You may also develop cuts or fissures in the skin of your toes, fingers or knuckles that look like tiny paper cuts. These side effects may appear several months after treatment is started but may last for several months after treatment is stopped. India is the best option to acquire it if you are looking price of Erlotinib in Egypt.
- Follow the same recommendations for your skin (above).
- Don’t bite your nails or cuticles or cut cuticles.
- Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and dry.
- You can use nail polish but don’t wear false nails.
- Notify your doctor or nurse if a nail falls off or you develop any of these side effects or other skin abnormalities.
Diarrhea
Your oncology care team may recommend medicines to relieve diarrhea. In addition, try eating low-fiber, bland foods, such as white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea. Foods rich in soluble fiber include: applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange slices, boiled potatoes, white rice, white flour products, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat and farina. Drink 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids a day to prevent dehydration.
Tiredness
Fatigue is very common during cancer treatment and is a feeling of extreme tiredness that usually does not go away with rest. For the period during and after cancer treatment, you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Schedule time during the day to rest and save energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; A simple daily walk with a friend can help. Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on how to deal with this side effect.
loss of appetite
Nutrition is an important part of your care. Cancer treatment can affect your appetite and, in some cases, side effects of treatment can make eating difficult. For help with food choices, ask your oncology care team about nutritional counseling services at your treatment center.
- Try eating five or six small meals or snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- If you’re not eating enough, nutritional supplements can help.
- You may experience a metallic taste or feel that food has no taste at all. You may dislike foods or beverages that you enjoyed before receiving cancer treatment. These symptoms may last for several months or longer after treatment ends.
- Avoid any food that you think smells or tastes bad. If red meat is a problem, eat chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, and fish without strong odors. Sometimes cold food has less odor.
- Add extra flavor by marinating meat or fish in sweet juices, sweet and sour sauces or dressings. Use spices like basil, oregano or rosemary to enhance the flavor. Bacon, ham and onions can enhance the flavor of vegetables.
nausea and/or vomiting
Talk to your oncology care team so they can prescribe medications to help you manage nausea and vomiting . In addition, dietary changes may help. Avoid things that may worsen symptoms, such as heavy or greasy/fatty, spicy or acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, oranges). Use saline, or ginger ale, to ease symptoms.
Call your oncology care team if you are unable to drink fluids for more than 12 hours or if you feel lightheaded or dizzy at any time.
Less common, but important side effects may include:
- Eye concerns: While receiving erlotinib, some patients may have irritation or damage to the cornea (the clear part covering the eyeball) or changes in your vision. Notify your healthcare team if you have eye pain, swelling, redness, or any changes in vision, including blurriness and sensitivity to light.
- Gastrointestinal perforation : This drug can cause a tear in the wall of the intestines, also known as a gastrointestinal perforation. Symptoms may include: new or worsening abdominal pain, new abdominal swelling, chills, fever, constipation, nausea or vomiting. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider right away or go to the emergency room.
- Lung changes: Erlotinib can cause lung problems, including interstitial lung disease. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or fever.
- Kidney toxicity: This drug can cause kidney toxicity, which your doctor can monitor using a blood test to check your creatinine level. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice a decrease in urine output, blood in the urine, swollen ankles, or loss of appetite.
- Liver toxicity: This drug can cause liver toxicity, which your doctor can monitor using a blood test called liver function test. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, your urine appears dark or brown, or you have abdominal pain, as these may be signs of liver toxicity.
- Heart attack and stroke: Erlotinib can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack. If you experience symptoms of these problems, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the emergency room. Symptoms may include: chest pain or pressure, pain in your arm, back, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble talking, confusion, or a change in mental status.
fertility concerns
Exposure to this medicine may cause birth defects in an unborn baby, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while taking this medicine. Effective birth control is essential during treatment and for at least 1 month after treatment. Even if your menstrual cycles stop or you feel that you are not producing sperm, you can still be fertile and conceive. Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last erlotinib dose. You must consult with your doctor also before checking Erlotinib cost in Egypt.