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Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Erlotinib hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Erlotinib hydrochloride

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

Erlotinib Glenmark contains the active substance erlotinib. Erlotinib Glenmark is a medicine used to treat cancer by preventing the activity of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This protein is known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Erlotinib Glenmark is indicated for adults. This medicine can be prescribed to you if you have non-small cell lung cancer at an advanced stage. It can be prescribed as initial therapy or as therapy if your disease remains largely unchanged after initial chemotherapy, provided your cancer cells have specific EGFR mutations. It can also be prescribed if previous chemotherapy has not helped to stop your disease. This medicine can also be prescribed to you in combination with another treatment called gemcitabine if you have cancer of the pancreas at a metastatic stage.

2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Erlotinib Glenmark

Do not take Erlotinib Glenmark • if you are allergic to erlotinib or any of the ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions • if you are taking other medicines that may increase or decrease the amount of erlotinib in your blood or influence its effect (for example antifungals like ketoconazole, protease inhibitors, erythromycin, clarithromycin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, omeprazole, ranitidine, St.

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John's Wort or proteasome inhibitors), talk to your doctor. In some cases these medicines may reduce the efficacy or increase the side effects of Erlotinib Glenmark and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment. Your doctor might avoid treating you with these medicines while you are receiving Erlotinib Glenmark. if you are taking anticoagulants (a medicine which helps to prevent thrombosis or blood clotting e.g. warfarin), Erlotinib Glenmark may increase your tendency to bleed. Talk to your doctor, he will need to regularly monitor you with some blood tests. if you are taking statins (medicines to lower your blood cholesterol), Erlotinib Glenmark may increase the risk of statin related muscle problems, which on rare occasions can lead to serious muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) resulting in kidney damage, talk to your doctor. if you use contact lenses and/or have a history of eye problems such as severe dry eyes, inflammation of the front part of the eye (cornea) or ulcers involving the front part of the eye, tell your doctor.

See also below "Other medicines and Erlotinib Glenmark". You should tell your doctor: • if you have sudden difficulty in breathing associated with cough or fever because your doctor may need to treat you with other medicines and interrupt your Erlotinib Glenmark treatment; • if you have diarrhoea because your doctor may need to treat you with anti-diarrhoeal (for example loperamide); • immediately, if you have severe or persistent diarrhoea, nausea, loss of appetite, or vomiting because your doctor may need to interrupt your Erlotinib Glenmark treatment and may need to treat you in the hospital; • if you have severe pain in the abdomen, severe blistering or peeling of skin. Your doctor may need to interrupt or stop your treatment; • if you develop acute or worsening redness and pain in the eye, increased eye watering, blurred vision and/or sensitivity to light, please tell your doctor or nurse immediately as you may need urgent treatment (see Possible Side Effects below). • if you are also taking a statin and experience unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness or cramps. Your doctor may need to interrupt or stop your treatment. • if you have ever had problems with your liver. Erlotinib may cause serious liver problems and some cases have been fatal. Your doctor may perform blood tests while you are taking this medicine to monitor whether your liver functions properly. See also section 4 "Possible side effects". Liver or kidney disease It is not known whether Erlotinib Glenmark has a different effect if your liver or kidneys are not functioning normally. The treatment with this medicine is not recommended if you have a severe liver disease or severe kidney disease. Glucuronidation disorder like Gilbert's syndrome Your doctor must treat you with caution if you have a glucuronidation disorder like Gilbert's syndrome. Smoking You are advised to stop smoking if you are treated with Erlotinib Glenmark as smoking could decrease the amount of your medicine in the blood. Children and adolescents

Erlotinib Glenmark has not been studied in patients under the age of 18 years. The treatment with this medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents. Other medicines and Erlotinib Glenmark Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken any other medicines or might take any other medicines. Erlotinib Glenmark with food and drink Do not take Erlotinib Glenmark with food. See also section 3 'How to take Erlotinib Glenmark'. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Avoid pregnancy while being treated with Erlotinib Glenmark. If you could become pregnant, use adequate contraception during treatment, and for at least 2 weeks after taking the last tablet. If you become pregnant while you are being treated with Erlotinib Glenmark, immediately inform your doctor who will decide if the treatment should be continued. Do not breast-feed if you are being treated with Erlotinib Glenmark and for at least 2 weeks after taking the last tablet. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Erlotinib Glenmark has not been studied for its possible effects on the ability to drive and use machines but it is very unlikely that your treatment will affect this ability. Hypersensitivity Erlotinib Glenmark contains a sugar called lactose monohydrate. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3.

How to take it

Erlotinib Glenmark

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The tablet should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. The usual dose is one tablet of Erlotinib Glenmark 150 mg each day if you have non-small cell lung cancer. The usual dose is one tablet of Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg each day if you have metastatic pancreatic cancer. Erlotinib Glenmark is given in combination with gemcitabine treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose in 50 mg steps. For the different dose regimens Erlotinib Glenmark is available in strengths of 25 mg, 100 mg or 150 mg. If you take more Erlotinib Glenmark than you should Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. You may have increased side effects and your doctor may interrupt your treatment.

If you forget to take Erlotinib Glenmark If you miss one or more doses of Erlotinib Glenmark, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Erlotinib Glenmark It is important to keep taking Erlotinib Glenmark every day, as long as your doctor prescribes it for you. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you suffer from any of the below side effects. In some cases your doctor may need to reduce your dose of Erlotinib Glenmark or interrupt treatment: •

Diarrhoea and vomiting (very common: may affect more than 1 out of 10 people). Persistent and severe diarrhoea may lead to low blood potassium and impairment of your kidney function, particularly if you receive other chemotherapy treatments at the same time. If you experience more severe or persistent diarrhoea contact your doctor immediately as your doctor may need to treat you in the hospital.

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Eye irritation due to keratoconjunctivitis (very common: may affect more than 1 out of 10 people), conjunctivitis and keratitis (common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people).

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Form of lung irritation called interstitial lung disease (uncommon in European patients; common in Japanese patients: may affect up to 1 in 100 people in Europe and up to 1 in 10 in Japan). This disease can also be linked to the natural progression of your medical condition and can have a fatal outcome in some cases. If you develop symptoms such as sudden difficulty in breathing associated with cough or fever contact your doctor immediately as you could suffer from this disease. Your doctor may decide to permanently stop your treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark.

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Gastrointestinal perforations have been observed (uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people). Tell your doctor if you have severe pain in your abdomen. Also, tell your doctor if you had peptic ulcers or diverticular disease in the past, as this may increase this risk.

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In rare cases inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) was observed (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people). Symptoms may include a general feeling of being unwell, with or without possible jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare cases liver failure was observed. This can potentially be fatal. If your blood tests indicate severe changes in your liver function, your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): • Rash which may occur or worsen in sun exposed areas. If you are exposed to sun, protective clothing, and/or use of sun screen (e.g. mineral-containing) may be advisable • Infection • Loss of appetite, decreased weight

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Depression Headache, altered skin sensation or numbness in the extremities Difficulty in breathing, cough Nausea Mouth irritation Stomach pain, indigestion and flatulence Abnormal blood tests for the liver function Itching Tiredness, fever, rigors

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): • Dry skin • Loss of hair • Bleeding from the nose • Bleeding from the stomach or the intestines • Inflammatory reactions around the fingernail • Infection of hair follicles • Acne • Cracked skin (skin fissures) • Reduced kidney function (when given outside the approved indications in combination with chemotherapy) Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): • Inflammation of kidneys (nephritis) • Excess of protein in the urine (proteinuria) • Eyelash changes • Excess body and facial hair of a male distribution pattern • Excess pigmentation of the skin • Eyebrow changes • Brittle and loose nails Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): • Flushed or painful palms or soles (Palmar plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome) Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people): • Cases of perforation or ulceration of the cornea • Severe blistering or peeling of skin (suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome) • Inflammation of the coloured part of the eye Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme, website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5.

How to store it

Erlotinib Glenmark

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicine does not require any special storage conditions. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Erlotinib Glenmark contains The active substance is erlotinib. Erlotinib Glenmark 25 mg film-coated tablets Each film-coated tablet contains 25 mg of erlotinib (as erlotinib hydrochloride). Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets Each film-coated tablet contains 100 mg of erlotinib (as erlotinib hydrochloride). Erlotinib Glenmark 150 mg film-coated tablets Each film-coated tablet contains 150 mg of erlotinib (as erlotinib hydrochloride). The other ingredients are: Tablet core: lactose monohydrate, cellulose microcrystalline (E460), sodium starch glycolate type A, magnesium Stearate (E470b). Tablet coat: poly(vinyl alcohol) (E1203), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 3350 (E1521), talc (E553b), methacrylic acid – ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1), type A, sodium hydrogen carbonate What Erlotinib Glenmark looks like and contents of the pack Erlotinib Glenmark 25 mg film-coated tablets: White to yellowish, round biconvex, filmcoated tablet, engraved with "25" on one side. The diameter of the tablet is 6.1 mm. Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets: White to yellowish, round biconvex, filmcoated tablet, engraved with "100" on one side. The diameter of the tablet is 8.9 mm. Erlotinib Glenmark 150 mg film-coated tablets: White to yellowish, round biconvex, filmcoated tablet, engraved with "150" on one side. The diameter of the tablet is 10.5 mm. The tablets are available in Aluminium – OPA/Alu/PVC blisters of 30 tablets, packed into carton boxes. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited Laxmi House, 2B Draycott Avenue, Kenton, Middlesex HA3 0BU United Kingdom Manufacturer Remedica Ltd Aharnon Street, Limassol Industrial Estate, 3056 Limassol Cyprus This leaflet was last revised in April 2024.

Frequently asked questions about Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets

How do I take Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets?

Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets comes as tablet containing 100mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets?

The active substance in Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets is erlotinib hydrochloride.

Are there equivalent medicines to Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Tarceva 100 mg film-coated tablets, Tarceva 100 mg film-coated tablets, Erlotinib 100 mg film-coated tablets. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg film-coated tablets without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Erlotinib hydrochloride (9 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC):

Erlotinib Glenmark is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non- small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR activating mutations.

Erlotinib Glenmark is also indicated for switch maintenance treatment in patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with EGFR activating mutations and stable disease after first-line chemotherapy.

Erlotinib Glenmark is also indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. In patients with tumours without EGFR activating mutations, Erlotinib Glenmark is indicated when other treatment options are not considered suitable.

When prescribing Erlotinib Glenmark, factors associated with prolonged survival should be taken into account.

No survival benefit or other clinically relevant effects of the treatment have been demonstrated in patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-IHC negative tumours (see section 5.1).

Pancreatic cancer:

Erlotinib Glenmark in combination with gemcitabine is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

When prescribing Erlotinib Glenmark, factors associated with prolonged survival should be taken into account (see sections 4.2 and 5.1).

No survival advantage could be shown for patients with locally advanced disease.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Erlotinib Glenmark treatment should be supervised by a physician experienced in the use of anti-cancer therapies.

Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:

EGFR mutation testing should be performed in accordance with the approved indications (see section 4.1).The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib Glenmark is 150 mg taken at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food.

Patients with pancreatic cancer:

The recommended daily dose of Erlotinib Glenmark is 100 mg taken at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food, in combination with gemcitabine (see the summary of product characteristics of gemcitabine for the pancreatic cancer indication). In patients who do not develop rash within the first 4 – 8 weeks of treatment, further Erlotinib Glenmark treatment should be re-assessed (see section 5.1).

When dose adjustment is necessary, the dose should be reduced in 50 mg steps (see section 4.4).

Erlotinib Glenmark is available in strengths of 25 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg.

Concomitant use of CYP3A4 substrates and modulators may require dose adjustment (see section 4.5).

Hepatic impairment: Erlotinib is eliminated by hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion. Although erlotinib exposure was similar in patients with moderately impaired hepatic function (Child- Pugh score 7-9) compared with patients with adequate hepatic function, caution should be used when administering Erlotinib Glenmark to patients with hepatic impairment. Dose reduction or interruption of Erlotinib Glenmark should be considered if severe adverse reactions occur. The safety and efficacy of erlotinib has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction (AST/SGOT and ALT/SGPT> 5 x ULN). Use of Erlotinib Glenmark in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction is not recommended (see section 5.2).

Renal impairment: The safety and efficacy of erlotinib has not been studied in patients with renal impairment (serum creatinine concentration >1.5 times the upper normal limit). Based on pharmacokinetic data no dose adjustments appear necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment (see section 5.2). Use of Erlotinib Glenmark in patients with severe renal impairment is not recommended.

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of erlotinib in the approved indications has not been established in patients under the age of 18 years. Use of Erlotinib Glenmark in paediatric patients is not recommended.

Smokers: Cigarette smoking has been shown to reduce erlotinib exposure by 50-60%. The maximum tolerated dose of Erlotinib Glenmark in NSCLC patients who currently smoke cigarettes was 300 mg. The 300 mg dose did not show improved efficacy in second line treatment after failure of chemotherapy compared to the recommended 150 mg dose in patients who continue to smoke cigarettes. Safety data were comparable between the 300 mg and 150 mg doses; however, there was a numerical increase in the incidence of rash, interstitial lung disease and diarrhoea, in patients receiving the higher dose of erlotinib. Current smokers should be advised to stop smoking (see sections 4.4, 4.5, 5.1 and 5.2).

Method of administration

For oral use.

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to erlotinib or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Assessment of EGFR mutation status

When considering the use of Erlotinib Glenmark as a first line or maintenance treatment for locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, it is important that the EGFR mutation status of a patient is determined.

A validated, robust, reliable and sensitive test with a prespecified positivity threshold and demonstrated utility for the determination of EGFR mutation status, using either tumor DNA derived from a tissue sample or circulating free DNA (cfDNA) obtained from a blood (plasma) sample, should be performed according to local medical practice.

If a plasma-based cfDNA test is used and the result is negative for activating mutations, perform a tissue test wherever possible due to the potential for false negative results from a plasma-based test.

Smokers

Current smokers should be advised to stop smoking, as plasma concentrations of erlotinib in smokers as compared to non-smokers are reduced. The degree of reduction is likely to be clinically significant (see sections 4.2, 4.5, 5.1 and 5.2).

Interstitial Lung Disease

Cases of interstitial lung disease (ILD)-like events, including fatalities, have been reported uncommonly in patients receiving erlotinib for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), pancreatic cancer or other advanced solid tumours. In the pivotal study BR.21 in NSCLC, the incidence of ILD (0.8%) was the same in both the placebo and erlotinib groups. In a meta-analysis of NSCLC randomized controlled clinical trials (excluding phase I and single-arm phase II studies due to lack of control groups), the incidence of ILD-like events was 0.9% on erlotinib compared to 0.4% in patients in the control arms. In the pancreatic cancer study in combination with gemcitabine, the incidence of ILD-like events was 2.5% in the erlotinib plus gemcitabine group versus 0.4% in the placebo plus gemcitabine treated group. Reported diagnoses in patients suspected of having ILD-like events included pneumonitis, radiation pneumonitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, interstitial pneumonia, interstitial lung disease, obliterative bronchiolitis, pulmonary fibrosis, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), alveolitis, and lung infiltration. Symptoms started from a few days to several months after initiating erlotinib therapy. Confounding or contributing factors such as concomitant or prior chemotherapy, prior radiotherapy, pre-existing parenchymal lung disease, metastatic lung disease, or pulmonary infections were frequent. A higher incidence of ILD (approximately 5% with a mortality rate of 1.5%) is seen among patients in studies conducted in Japan.

In patients who develop acute onset of new and/or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnoea, cough and fever, erlotinib therapy should be interrupted pending diagnostic evaluation. Patients treated concurrently with erlotinib and gemcitabine should be monitored carefully for the possibility to develop ILD-like toxicity. If ILD is diagnosed, erlotinib should be discontinued and appropriate treatment initiated as necessary (see section 4.8).

Diarrhoea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and renal failure

Diarrhoea (including very rare cases with a fatal outcome) has occurred in approximately 50% of patients on erlotinib and moderate or severe diarrhoea should be treated with e.g. loperamide. In some cases dose reduction may be necessary. In the clinical studies doses were reduced by 50 mg steps. Dose reductions by 25 mg steps have not been investigated. In the event of severe or persistent diarrhoea, nausea, anorexia, or vomiting associated with dehydration, erlotinib therapy should be interrupted and appropriate measures should be taken to treat the dehydration (see section 4.8). There have been rare reports of hypokalaemia and renal failure (including fatalities). Some cases were secondary to severe dehydration due to diarrhoea, vomiting and/or anorexia, while others were confounded by concomitant chemotherapy. In more severe or persistent cases of diarrhoea, or cases leading to dehydration, particularly in groups of patients with aggravating risk factors (especially concomitant chemotherapy and other medications, symptoms or diseases or other predisposing conditions including advanced age), erlotinib therapy should be interrupted and appropriate measures should be taken to intensively rehydrate the patients intravenously. In addition, renal function and serum electrolytes including potassium should be monitored in patients at risk of dehydration.

Hepatotoxicity

Serious cases of drug induced liver injury (DILI) including hepatitis, acute hepatitis and hepatic failure (including fatalities) have been reported during use of erlotinib. Risk factors may include pre-existing liver disease or concomitant hepatotoxic medications. Periodic liver function testing is recommended during treatment with erlotinib. The frequency of monitoring of liver function should be increased in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or biliary obstruction. Prompt clinical evaluation and measurement of liver function tests should be performed in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury. Erlotinib Glenmark dosing should be interrupted if changes in liver function are severe (see section 4.8). Erlotinib Glenmark is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic dysfunction.

Gastrointestinal perforation

Patients receiving Erlotinib Glenmark are at increased risk of developing gastrointestinal perforation, which was observed uncommonly (including some cases with a fatal outcome). Patients receiving concomitant anti-angiogenic agents, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and/or taxane based chemotherapy, or who have prior history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease are at increased risk. Erlotinib Glenmark should be permanently discontinued in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation (see section 4.8).

Bullous and exfoliative skin disorders

Bullous, blistering and exfoliative skin conditions have been reported, including very rare cases suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis, which in some cases were fatal (see section 4.8). Erlotinib Glenmark treatment should be interrupted or discontinued if the patient develops severe bullous, blistering or exfoliating conditions. Patients with bullous and exfoliative skin disorders should be tested for skin infection and treated according to local management guidelines.

Ocular disorders

Patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of keratitis such as acute or worsening: eye inflammation, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain and/or red eye should be referred promptly to an ophthalmology specialist. If a diagnosis of ulcerative keratitis is confirmed, treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark should be interrupted or discontinued. If keratitis is diagnosed, the benefits and risks of continuing treatment should be carefully considered. Erlotinib Glenmark should be used with caution in patients with a history of keratitis, ulcerative keratitis or severe dry eye. Contact lens use is also a risk factor for keratitis and ulceration. Very rare cases of corneal perforation or ulceration have been reported during use of erlotinib (see section 4.8).

Interactions with other medicinal products

Potent inducers of CYP3A4 may reduce the efficacy of erlotinib whereas potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 may lead to increased toxicity. Concomitant treatment with these types of agents should be avoided (see section 4.5).

Other forms of interactions

Erlotinib is characterised by a decrease in solubility at pH above 5. Medicinal products that alter the pH of the upper Gastro-Intestinal (GI) tract, like proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists and antacids, may alter the solubility of erlotinib and hence its bioavailability. Increasing the dose of Erlotinib Glenmark when co-administered with such agents is not likely to compensate for the loss of exposure. Combination of erlotinib with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided. The effects of concomitant administration of erlotinib with H2 antagonists and antacids are unknown; however, reduced bioavailability is likely. Therefore, concomitant administration of these combinations should be avoided (see section 4.5). If the use of antacids is considered necessary during treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark, they should be taken at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after the daily dose of Erlotinib Glenmark.

The tablets contain lactose.

Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Erlotinib and other CYP substrates

Erlotinib is a potent inhibitor of CYP1A1, and a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2C8, as well as a strong inhibitor of glucuronidation by UGT1A1 in vitro.

The physiological relevance of the strong inhibition of CYP1A1 is unknown due to the very limited expression of CYP1A1 in human tissues.

When erlotinib was co-administered with ciprofloxacin, a moderate CYP1A2 inhibitor, the erlotinib exposure [AUC] increased significantly by 39%, while no statistically significant change in Cmax was found. Similarly, the exposure to the active metabolite increased by about 60% and 48% for AUC and Cmax, respectively. The clinical relevance of this increase has not been established. Caution should be exercised when ciprofloxacin or potent CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g. fluvoxamine) are combined with erlotinib. If adverse reactions related to erlotinib are observed, the dose of erlotinib may be reduced.

Pre-treatment or co-administration of Erlotinib Glenmark did not alter the clearance of the prototypical CYP3A4 substrates, midazolam and erythromycin, but did appear to decrease the oral bioavailability of midazolam by up to 24%. In another clinical study, erlotinib was shown not to affect pharmacokinetics of the concomitantly administered CYP3A4/2C8 substrate paclitaxel. Significant interactions with the clearance of other CYP3A4 substrates are therefore unlikely.

The inhibition of glucuronidation may cause interactions with medicinal products which are substrates of UGT1A1 and exclusively cleared by this pathway. Patients with low expression levels of UGT1A1 or genetic glucuronidation disorders (e.g. Gilbert's disease) may exhibit increased serum concentrations of bilirubin and must be treated with caution.

Erlotinib is metabolised in the liver by the hepatic cytochromes in humans, primarily CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2. Extrahepatic metabolism by CYP3A4 in intestine, CYP1A1 in lung, and CYP1B1 in tumour tissue also potentially contribute to the metabolic clearance of erlotinib. Potential interactions may occur with active substances which are metabolised by, or are inhibitors or inducers of, these enzymes.

Potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 activity decrease erlotinib metabolism and increase erlotinib plasma concentrations. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of erlotinib with ketoconazole (200 mg orally twice daily for 5 days), a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, resulted in an increase of erlotinib exposure (86% of AUC and 69% of Cmax). Therefore, caution should be used when erlotinib is combined with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, e.g. azole antifungals (i.e. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole), protease inhibitors, erythromycin or clarithromycin. If necessary the dose of erlotinib should be reduced, particularly if toxicity is observed.

Potent inducers of CYP3A4 activity increase erlotinib metabolism and significantly decrease erlotinib plasma concentrations. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of erlotinib and rifampicin (600 mg orally once daily for 7 days), a potent CYP3A4 inducer, resulted in a 69% decrease in the median erlotinib AUC. Co-administration of rifampicin with a single 450 mg dose of Erlotinib Glenmark resulted in a mean erlotinib exposure (AUC) of 57.5% of that after a single 150 mg Erlotinib Glenmark dose in the absence of rifampicin treatment. Co-administration of Erlotinib Glenmark with CYP3A4 inducers should therefore be avoided. For patients who require concomitant treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark and a potent CYP3A4 inducer such as rifampicin an increase in dose to 300 mg should be considered while their safety (including renal and liver functions and serum electrolytes) is closely monitored, and if well tolerated for more than 2 weeks, further increase to 450 mg could be considered with close safety monitoring. Reduced exposure may also occur with other inducers e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates or St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum). Caution should be observed when these active substances are combined with erlotinib. Alternate treatments lacking potent CYP3A4 inducing activity should be considered when possible.

Erlotinib and coumarin-derived anticoagulants

Interaction with coumarin-derived anticoagulants including warfarin leading to increased International Normalized Ratio (INR) and bleeding events, which in some cases were fatal, have been reported in patients receiving Erlotinib Glenmark. Patients taking coumarin-derived anticoagulants should be monitored regularly for any changes in prothrombin time or INR.

Erlotinib and statins

The combination of Erlotinib Glenmark and a statin may increase the potential for statin-induced myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, which was observed rarely.

Erlotinib and smokers

Results of a pharmacokinetic interaction study indicated a significant 2.8-, 1.5- and 9-fold reduced AUCinf, Cmax and plasma concentration at 24 hours, respectively, after administration of Erlotinib Glenmark in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Therefore, patients who are still smoking should be encouraged to stop smoking as early as possible before initiation of treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark, as plasma erlotinib concentrations are reduced otherwise. Based on the data from the CURRENTS study, no evidence was seen for any benefit of a higher erlotinib dose of 300 mg when compared with the recommended dose of 150 mg in active smokers. Safety data were comparable between the 300 mg and 150 mg doses; however, there was a numerical increase in the incidence of rash, interstitial lung disease and diarrhoea, in patients receiving the higher dose of erlotinib (see sections 4.2, 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2).

Erlotinib and P-glycoprotein inhibitors

Erlotinib is a substrate for the P-glycoprotein active substance transporter. Concomitant administration of inhibitors of Pgp, e.g. cyclosporine and verapamil, may lead to altered distribution and/or altered elimination of erlotinib. The consequences of this interaction for e.g. CNS toxicity have not been established. Caution should be exercised in such situations.

Erlotinib and medicinal products altering pH

Erlotinib is characterised by a decrease in solubility at pH above 5. Medicinal products that alter the pH of the upper Gastro-Intestinal (GI) tract may alter the solubility of erlotinib and hence its bioavailability. Co-administration of erlotinib with omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), decreased the erlotinib exposure [AUC] and maximum concentration [Cmax] by 46% and 61%, respectively. There was no change to Tmax or half-life. Concomitant administration of Erlotinib Glenmark with 300 mg ranitidine, an H2-receptor antagonist, decreased erlotinib exposure [AUC] and maximum concentrations [Cmax] by 33% and 54%, respectively. Increasing the dose of Erlotinib Glenmark when co- administered with such agents is not likely to compensate for this loss of exposure. However, when Erlotinib Glenmark was dosed in a staggered manner 2 hours before or 10 hours after ranitidine 150 mg b.i.d., erlotinib exposure [AUC] and maximum concentrations [Cmax] decreased only by 15% and 17%, respectively. The effect of antacids on the absorption of erlotinib has not been investigated but absorption may be impaired, leading to lower plasma levels. In summary, the combination of erlotinib with proton pump inhibitors should be avoided. If the use of antacids is considered necessary during treatment with Erlotinib Glenmark, they should be taken at least 4 hours before or 2 hours after the daily dose of Erlotinib Glenmark. If the use of ranitidine is considered, it should be used in a staggered manner; i.e. Erlotinib Glenmark must be taken at least 2 hours before or 10 hours after ranitidine dosing.

Erlotinib and Gemcitabine

In a Phase Ib study, there were no significant effects of gemcitabine on the pharmacokinetics of erlotinib nor were there significant effects of erlotinib on the pharmacokinetics of gemcitabine.

Erlotinib and Carboplatin/Paclitaxel

Erlotinib increases platinum concentrations. In a clinical study, the concomitant use of erlotinib with carboplatin and paclitaxel led to an increase of total platinum AUC0-48 of 10.6%. Although statistically significant, the magnitude of this difference is not considered to be clinically relevant. In clinical practice, there may be other co-factors leading to an increased exposure to carboplatin like renal impairment. There were no significant effects of carboplatin or paclitaxel on the pharmacokinetics of erlotinib.

Erlotinib and Capecitabine

Capecitabine may increase erlotinib concentrations. When erlotinib was given in combination with capecitabine, there was a statistically significant increase in erlotinib AUC and a borderline increase in Cmax when compared with values observed in another study in which erlotinib was given as single agent. There were no significant effects of erlotinib on the pharmacokinetics of capecitabine.

Erlotinib and proteasome inhibitors

Due to the working mechanism, proteasome inhibitors including bortezomib may be expected to influence the effect of EGFR inhibitors including erlotinib. Such influence is supported by limited clinical data and preclinical studies showing EGFR degradation through the proteasome.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no adequate data for the use of erlotinib in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of teratogenicity or abnormal parturition. However, an adverse effect on the pregnancy can not be excluded as rat and rabbit studies have shown increased embryo/foetal lethality, (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.

Women of childbearing potential

Women of childbearing potential must be advised to avoid pregnancy while on Erlotinib Glenmark. Adequate contraceptive methods should be used during therapy, and for at least 2 weeks after completing therapy. Treatment should only be continued in pregnant women if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus.

Breast-feeding

It is not known whether erlotinib is excreted in human milk. No studies have been conducted to assess the impact of Erlotinib Glenmark on milk production or its presence in breast milk. As the potential for harm to the nursing infant is unknown, mothers should be advised against breast-feeding while receiving Erlotinib Glenmark and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose.

Fertility

Studies in animals have shown no evidence of impaired fertility. However, an adverse effect on the fertility can not be excluded as animal studies have shown effects on reproductive parameters (see section 5.3).The potential risk for humans is unknown.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed; however erlotinib is not associated with impairment of mental ability.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Safety evaluation of Erlotinib Glenmark is based on the data from more than 1500 patients treated with at least one 150 mg dose of Erlotinib Glenmark monotherapy and more than 300 patients who received Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg or 150 mg in combination with gemcitabine.

Non-small cell lung cancer (Erlotinib Glenmark administered as monotherapy):

First-Line Treatment of Patients with EGFR Mutations

In an open-label, randomised phase III study, ML20650 conducted in 154 patients, the safety of Erlotinib Glenmark for first-line treatment of NSCLC patients with EGFR activating mutations was assessed in 75 patients.

The most frequent ADRs seen in patients treated with Erlotinib Glenmark in study ML20650 were rash and diarrhoea, most were Grade 1/2 in severity and manageable without intervention. Full grade and incidence information for rash and diarrhoea for all clinical studies is available in the 'Description of selected adverse reactions' section below.

Maintenance treatment

In two other double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled Phase III studies BO18192 (SATURN) and BO25460 (IUNO); Erlotinib Glenmark was administered as maintenance after first-line chemotherapy. These studies were conducted in a total of 1532 patients with advanced, recurrent or metastatic NSCLC following first-line standard platinum-based chemotherapy.

The most frequent ADRs seen in patients treated with Erlotinib Glenmark in studies BO18192 and BO25460 were rash and diarrhea.

Second and Further Line Treatment.

In a randomized double-blind study (BR.21; Erlotinib Glenmark administered as second line therapy), rash and diarrhoea were the most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Most were Grade 1/2 in severity and manageable without intervention. The median time to onset of rash was 8 days, and the median time to onset of diarrhoea was 12 days.

Pancreatic cancer (Erlotinib Glenmark administered concurrently with gemcitabine)

The most common adverse reactions in pivotal study PA.3 in pancreatic cancer patients receiving Erlotinib Glenmark 100 mg plus gemcitabine were fatigue, rash and diarrhoea. The median time to onset of rash and diarrhoea was 10 days and 15 days, respectively.

Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

The incidence of ADRs from clinical trials and the post marketing setting reported with Erlotinib Glenmark alone or in combination with chemotherapy are summarised in Table 1. Adverse drug reactions are listed by MedDRA system organ class. The corresponding frequency category for each adverse drug reaction is based on the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1: Summary of ADRs from clinical trials and the post-marketing setting per frequency category:

Infections and infestations

Very common

infection*

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Very common

anorexia, weight decreased

Psychiatric disorders

Very common

depression

Nervous system disorders

Very common

neuropathy, headache

Eye disorders

Very common

keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Common

keratitis, conjunctivitis

Uncommon

eyelash changes*

Very rare

corneal perforations, corneal ulcerations, uveitis

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Very common

dyspnoea, cough

Common

epistaxis

Uncommon

interstitial lung disease*

Gastrointestinal disorders

Very common

diarrhoea*, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence

Common

gastro-intestinal bleeding*

Uncommon

gastro-intestinal perforations*

Rare

pneumatosis intestinalis

Hepatobiliary disorders

Very common

liver function test abnormalities*

Rare

hepatic failure*, hepatitis

Not known (Cannot be estimated from the available data)

acute hepatitis

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common

rash*, pruritus

Common

alopecia, dry skin, paronychia, folliculitis, acne/dermatitis acneiform, skin fissures

Uncommon

hirsutism, eyebrow changes, brittle and loose nails, mild skin reactions such as hyperpigmentation

Rare

palmar plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome

Very rare

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis*

Renal and urinary disorders

Common

renal insufficiency

Uncommon

nephritis, proteinuria

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

fatigue, pyrexia, rigors

*For additional details, see section "Description of selected adverse reactions" below.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Rash

Rash includes dermatitis acneiform. In general, rash manifests as a mild or moderate erythematous and papulopustular rash, which may occur or worsen in sun exposed areas. For patients who are exposed to sun, protective clothing, and/or use of sunscreen (e.g. mineral-containing) may be advisable.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, hypokalemia and renal failure. It includes fatalities (see section 4.4).

Table 2: A summary of the incidence and grade of rash and diarrhoea observed in each clinical study

Study

Indication

Rash (%)

Diarrhoea (%)

Grade

Action taken

Grade

Action taken

Any

3

4

Discon1

Mod2

Any

3

4

Discon1

Mod2

ML20650

NSCLC

80

9

0

1

11

57

4

0

1

7

BO18192

NSCLC

49.2

6.0

0

1

8.3

20.3

1.8

0

<1

3

BO25460

NSCLC

39.4

5.0

0

0

5.6

24.2

2.5

0

0

2.8

BR.21

NSCLC

75

9

1

6

54

6

1

1

PA.3

Pancreatic cancer

-

5

1

2

-

5

1

2

1 Discontinuation

2 Dose modification

Infection

This can be severe infections with or without neutropenia, including pneumonia, sepsis, and cellulitis.

Eyelash changes

Changes include in-growing eyelashes, excessive growth and thickening of the eyelashes.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

ILD includes fatalities in patients receiving Erlotinib Glenmark for treatment of NSCLC or other advanced solid tumours (see section 4.4). A higher incidence has been observed in patients in Japan (see section 4.4)

Gastro-intestinal (GI) bleeding

GI bleeding includes fatalities (see section 4.4). In clinical studies, some cases have been associated with concomitant warfarin administration and some with concomitant NSAID administration (see section 4.5). Gastro-intestinal perforations also include fatalities (see section 4.4).

Liver function test abnormalities

Abnormalities include increased alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and bilirubin. Cases were mainly mild to moderate in severity, transient in nature or associated with liver metastases.

Hepatic failure

This includes fatalities. Risk factors may include pre-existing liver disease or concomitant hepatotoxic medications (see section 4.4).

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis

This includes fatalities (see section 4.4).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme, website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms

Single oral doses of Erlotinib Glenmark up to 1000 mg erlotinib in healthy subjects, and up to 1600 mg in cancer patients have been tolerated. Repeated twice daily doses of 200 mg in healthy subjects were poorly tolerated after only a few days of dosing. Based on the data from these studies, severe adverse reactions such as diarrhoea, rash and possibly increased activity of liver aminotransferases may occur above the recommended dose.

Management

In case of suspected overdose, Erlotinib Glenmark should be withheld and symptomatic treatment initiated.

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