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Molecule

Erlotinib

Also known as erlotinib hydrochloride
Available on requestOncology
Presentations
3
Brands
0
Manufacturers
0
Available from stock
0

Erlotinib is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), among other approved uses. It is available as tablets for oral use. MedsAcross supplies Erlotinib for export from India to licensed hospitals, importers and physicians acting for named patients, with the documents each country requires.

Information from the US FDA prescribing information, retrieved 12 November 2026. Not yet medically reviewed.How we review

Key facts

Pharmacological class
Kinase Inhibitor, Protein Kinase Inhibitors
ATC classification
L01EB02 Erlotinib · Cancer medicines (antineoplastics), subgroup L01E, subgroup L01EB
US FDA first approval
18 November 2004
EU status
Authorised
Orphan designation
No
WHO essential medicine
Not recorded
India (CDSCO)
Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists
Routes
Oral
Dosage forms
Tablet
Identifiers
UNII J4T82NDH7ERxCUI 337525CAS 183321-74-6DrugBank DB00530Q418369

Clinical information

From the regulator-approved product information. Each section names its source.

Uses

Erlotinib tablets are a kinase inhibitor indicated for: • The treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test receiving first-line, maintenance, or second or greater line treatment after progression following at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. • First-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer, in combination with gemcitabine. Limitations of Use: • Safety and efficacy of erlotinib tablets have not been established in patients with NSCLC whose tumors have other EGFR mutations. • Erlotinib tablets are not recommended for use in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

How it works

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface of both normal and cancer cells. In some tumor cells signaling through this receptor plays a role in tumor cell survival and proliferation irrespective of EGFR mutation status. Erlotinib reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues associated with the receptor and thereby inhibiting further downstream signaling. Erlotinib binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 (L858R) mutations is higher than its affinity for the wild type receptor. Erlotinib inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors has not been fully characterized.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Dosing overview

• NSCLC: 150 mg orally, on an empty stomach, once daily. • Pancreatic cancer: 100 mg orally, on an empty stomach, once daily. Selection of Patients with Metastatic NSCLC Select patients for the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with erlotinib tablets based on the presence of EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations in tumor or plasma specimens. If these mutations are not detected in a plasma specimen, test tumor tissue if available. Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of EGFR mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics. Recommended Dose – NSCLC The recommended daily dose of erlotinib tablets for NSCLC is 150 mg taken on an empty stomach, i.e., at least one hour before or two hours after the ingestion of food. Treatment should continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Warnings and precautions

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD): Occurs in 1.1% of patients. Withhold erlotinib for acute onset of new or progressive unexplained pulmonary symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough and fever. Discontinue erlotinib if ILD is diagnosed. • Renal failure: Monitor renal function and electrolytes, particularly in patients at risk of dehydration. Withhold erlotinib for severe renal toxicity. • Hepatotoxicity: Occurs with or without hepatic impairment, including hepatic failure and hepatorenal syndrome: Monitor periodic liver testing. Withhold or discontinue erlotinib for severe or worsening liver tests. • Gastrointestinal perforations: Discontinue erlotinib. • Bullous and exfoliative skin disorders: Discontinue erlotinib. • Cerebrovascular accident (CVA): The risk of CVA is increased in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Side effects

The following serious adverse reactions, which may include fatalities, are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) • Renal Failure • Hepatotoxicity with or without Hepatic Impairment • Gastrointestinal Perforation • Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders • Cerebrovascular Accident • Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia with Thrombocytopenia • Ocular Disorders • Hemorrhage in Patients Taking Warfarin The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) with erlotinib from a pooled analysis in patients with NSCLC across all approved lines of therapy, with and without EGFR mutations, and in patients with pancreatic cancer were rash, diarrhea, anorexia, fatigue, dyspnea, cough, nausea, and vomiting. or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch

Source: US FDA prescribing information

Interactions

CYP3A4 Inhibitors Co-administration of erlotinib with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor increased erlotinib exposure. Erlotinib is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP1A2. Increased erlotinib exposure may increase the risk of exposure-related toxicity. Avoid co-administering erlotinib with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., boceprevir, clarithromycin, conivaptan, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lopinavir/ritonavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, posaconazole, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole, grapefruit or grapefruit juice) or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor (e.g., ciprofloxacin). Reduce the erlotinib dosage when co-administering with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or a combined CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 inhibitor if co-administration is unavoidable.

Source: US FDA prescribing information

For healthcare professionals and buyers. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions belong to the prescriber.

All presentations

3 presentations of Erlotinib, sorted by availability.

MedicineManufacturerRegisterAvailability
Erlotinib 100 mg tabletOralGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Erlotinib 150 mg tabletOralGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request
Erlotinib 25 mg tabletOralGeneric name—US FDAAvailable on request

Regulatory status

Approval facts from US FDA, EMA and CDSCO data, and registration status by country where we hold register data.

RegisterStatusSource
US FDAFirst approved 18 November 2004Drugs@FDA
EU (EMA)AuthorisedEMA medicines data
India (CDSCO)Not yet confirmed against CDSCO approval lists—
AustriaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
BelgiumRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
BulgariaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
CroatiaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
CyprusRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
CzechiaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
DenmarkRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
EstoniaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
FinlandRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
FranceRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
GermanyRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
GreeceRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
HungaryRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
IcelandRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
IrelandRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
ItalyRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
LatviaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
LiechtensteinRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
LithuaniaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
LuxembourgRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
MaltaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
NetherlandsRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
NorwayRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
PolandRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
PortugalRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
RomaniaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
SlovakiaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
SloveniaRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
SpainRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
SwedenRegisteredEuropean Medicines Agency (central authorisation)Checked 12 November 2026
United StatesRegisteredUS FDA (NDC directory, openFDA)Checked 12 November 2026

Conditions

Conditions linked to Erlotinib in public data. This is not a list of approved uses, see the clinical information.

Questions and answers

Is Erlotinib available for export from India?

Yes, on request. MedsAcross lists 3 presentations of Erlotinib and sources them for licensed hospitals, importers and physicians against valid import documents.

Is Erlotinib approved by the US FDA?

Yes. The US FDA first approved Erlotinib on 18 November 2004, according to Drugs@FDA.

Is Erlotinib authorised in the European Union?

Yes. Erlotinib has a central EU marketing authorisation (status: authorised), according to European Medicines Agency data.

Does Erlotinib need cold chain shipping?

No listed presentation of Erlotinib is recorded as needing a cold chain. Storage conditions are shown on each presentation page.

Which ATC class is Erlotinib in?

Erlotinib is classified under ATC code L01EB02 (Erlotinib).

References

  1. ERLOTINIB prescribing information (Camber Pharmaceuticals). U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Retrieved 26 June 2024
  2. Tarceva: European public assessment report (EPAR). European Medicines Agency. Retrieved 5 March 2025

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