Tarceva Break

[Cathiemarie]

Has anyone taken a two week break from Tarceva after long time use 4 yrs. will it stop it from working?

[CaroleH1949]

My husband has been on Afatanib for 14 months and has battled every side effect mentioned. Diaorhea, sickness rash all over, and recently pain sensation in the fingers which has been wearing for him. They dropped the dose from 40mg to 30mg and there has been a very slight improvement. At his last appointment they suggested he take a break but he’s afraid to do so. If anyone has done this we would be interested to know how they got on.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

HiCathymarie,

Some patients stop treatment for example, because of side effects or before surgery and restart around four weeks after surgery. Advice should always be sought from the treating oncologist with regard to stopping and starting of therapy.

Kind regards,

All the team at the Roy Castle Helpline