Tarceva rash

[Jvoulo]

I was wondering something. Has anyone ever been on Tarceva and experienced the Tarceva rash? I have been on it for just about a year now. The rash is more like acne. I just want to see what people are using to take care of it. I am using 2% hydrocortisone cream, and clindamycin 1% gel. The rash is mainly on my face, neck, chest, and back. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[MFH_Advocate]

Jvoulo I'm sorry to hear that you are having a problem with rash. Rash is certainly known to be a side effect of Tarceva. Your doctor or nurse should have other suggestions to help you manage this type of rash. The company that makes Tarceva has some tips that might help: tarceva.com/patient/tips-to.... You can download a brochure here: tarceva.com/hcp/sites/tarce.... Hopefully someone who has experienced the same problem will also comment. Take care and I hope your doctor can help you get some relief.

[Jvoulo]

Thank you Mary.

[uplockman]

I had severe rash on face and neck and used mineral oil based lotion. Do not use any cream or lotion that has alcohol as that makes the rash burn. My doctor put me on several days of prednisone and I took Benadryl gel tabs without dye until rash improved. I tried Aloe, pure mineral oil, but no lotions such as Eucerin and other name brands. I eventually had my dosage of Tarceva reduced from 150 to 100 and have only a few rashes and not as severe. My go to lotion is Walgreens brand Studio 35 with real cocoa butter and Vaseline intensive care with pure cocoa butter. I have more bothersome rashes on my scalp for which I haven’t found a solution. My hair has gone straight and fine to thick and curly. When wet it feels like a Brillo pad and I had very fine thin blonde hair before. I also have had trouble with brittle nails and sore nail beds. Hope this helps!

[Jvoulo in reply to uplockman]

Thank you. I had the same problem with my hair as well. Haven’t found a shampoo that really works well on my scalp either.

[scifiknitter Blogger]

Jvoulo,

My doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering says she dose reduces almost all of her Tarceva patients to 100 mg with good results; the recommended of 150 mg is the maximum tolerable dose, and often is more than is needed to be effective.

I controlled my rash with doxycycline, in the beginning 100 mg twice daily, then I only needed one pill a day to maintain control. I also used Aveeno's skin creams for babies.

Anita

[Jvoulo in reply to scifiknitter]

Thank you for the reply. My Dr did reduce my dose from 150mg to 100mg. I see her next month. I will ask her about an alternative.