Parker Waichman LLP

Health Canada on Tarceva Complications

Health Canada Warns on Tarceva Complications. Lung and pancreatic cancer drug, Tarceva (erlotinib), continues to be linked to serious, sometimes fatal, adverse reactions. According to two separate releases from Hoffman La-Roche, the maker of Tarceva in Europe, the drug has been associated with cases of gastrointestinal perforation, skin reactions suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic […]

Tarceva Complications

Health Canada Warns on Tarceva Complications. Lung and pancreatic cancer drug, Tarceva (erlotinib), continues to be linked to serious, sometimes fatal, adverse reactions. According to two separate releases from Hoffman La-Roche, the maker of Tarceva in Europe, the drug has been associated with cases of gastrointestinal perforation, skin reactions suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, and corneal perforation. The new safety information was publicly released by Health Canada this week.

According to the Health Canada release, there have been 115 reports of  gastrointestinal perforation; 10 reports of skin reactions; and 6 cases of corneal perforations among patients treated with Tarceva. Health Canada said treatment with Tarceva should be interrupted or discontinued if patients exhibit signs of any of these complications.

Tarceva is one of a class of cancer drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor

Tarceva is one of a class of cancer drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These treatments are designed to block the EGFR protein, believed to play a role in cancer cell growth. As a monotherapy, Tarceva is approved for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. Tarceva in combination with gemcitabine is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

In an April 2009 letter, Genentech and OSI—the drug maker’s American arm—discussed reports of patients suffering gastrointestinal perforations while undergoing Tarceva therapy. This risk is greatest for patients receiving concomitant anti-angiogenic agents, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and/or taxane-based chemotherapy, or who have prior history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease. According to the letter, some instances of perforation had been fatal. The letter also said some Tarceva patients developed bullous, blistering and exfoliative skin conditions, which in some cases were suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Again, some cases were fatal.

Tarceva experienced corneal perforation or ulceration

The letter also warned that patients treated with Tarceva experienced corneal perforation or ulceration; disorders including abnormal eyelash growth, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and keratitis, have also been observed.

Health Canada said it is currently reviewing the Tarceva monograph in conjunction with the manufacturer regarding the concerns addressed in the April letter.  The monograph will be updated accordingly.

Need Legal Help Regarding Tarceva Complications?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Jillian Cantinieri my Case Manager is extremely efficient, knowledgeable, professional and caring. She has made an upsetting time in my life just that much easier by her dedication and commitment to always getting me answers, guiding me through the lengthy process while still managing to be extremely, supportive kind and caring. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this process without her by my side. Jillian responds to my emails within minutes, if she doesn’t know the answer to my question she will ask someone who does and always gets back to me within the same business day. I feel fortunate and grateful to Parker Waichman for assigning me the best of the best, Jillian Cantinieri.
rachelle tomanel
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Magnified lawyers
Luis GONZALES
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
The employees at Parker Waichman were extremely knowledgeable and very helpful in resolving all matters pertaining to my case. I consulted with several members of the Parker Waichman team throughout the process and I was extremely impressed with their knowledge and genuine concern for me as an individual. I worked extensively with Benita Rollis towards the end of my case. She was extremely professional and detail oriented. She was always there to answer any question I had no matter how insignificant it may have been. I could not have done it without Benita and Parker Waichman helping me navigate this process every step of the way. I would highly recommend Parker Waichman.
Fred Raman
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038