Tarceva......when do side effects kick in?

[jtlaharder]

Hello,

My mom has just started Tarceva....she is wondering if and when does side effects kick in.....such as Nausea/rash? Just want to prepare...thanks!

Tammy

[ernrol]

There may not be any bad side effects. I never had any.

Stay positive,

Ernie

[yirol]

My Dad's oncologist said around 10-12 days before rash/diarreha. Dad is on day 24 and no r/d., though apparent response to Tarceva.... Much success to your Mom!

[trish2418]

About 10 days for me to get the rash; never did have the diarrhea issue. Good luck to your mom.

Trish

[wondermom]

My mom had the side effects within a week. They were tolerable though. It seems everyone is different. Good luck!

[neilb]

Clinical study results say that, for those who get the rash (about 75%), the median time to onset of rash is 8 days. That means half get it earlier, and half (of those who get it), get it later. Almost all who get the rash get it within a month. Same results say median time to onset of diarrhea (among the 50% or so who get it) is 12 days. Nausea is supposed to be less of a problem with Tarceva than with IV Chemo, but it happens more often with Tarceva than with a placebo.

I got the rash on day 8 (I guess I'm a pretty average guy), light diarrhea earlier than that (followed by a couple of awful bouts in week 3), and a touch of nausea in the mornings (my wife is amused at my having "morning sickness").

As indicated above, though, your mileage may vary.--neilb

[dtay]

My Dad got a rash after about a week but nothing else - he feels ok on Tarceva.

dawn

[betty boop]

DAY TWO ON TARCEVA: I feel pretty good, a little nausea yesterday and a little short of breath but overall ok.

[betty boop]

Day 10 and my face looks awful. Doc called in a creme for me to use twice a day.

Any suggestions from those who have suffered with it?????

Thanks,

Betty