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[I apologize if this question has already been discussed—try what may, I can not get the search function to work!]
I have been taking Tarceva 150 mg for one month without any side effects. I see that taking Tarceva as directed, on an empty stomach, results in ~60% absorption. Taking with food results in ~100% absorption and increased side effects (as one might expect). Why are we to take it without food instead of with food and a lower dose, if necessary? Is there something else that happens when Tarceva is taken with food besides the increase in absorption? Isn't increased absorption a good thing?
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Reply # - January 12, 2014, 04:09 PM
Reply To: Tarceva and Food
When there is food involved it becomes impossible to guess at how it will affect an individual yet on an empty stomach results are more predictable.
I hope you do well on tarceva for a long time,
Janine
Reply # - January 13, 2014, 01:17 PM
Reply To: Tarceva and Food
The absorption of the Tarceva is unpredictable with food, because the size and fat content of the meal is so variable. Food may increase drug absorption, but a high fat content meal could actually decrease the drug absorption as well. The manufacturer can't really endorse taking the drug at mealtime, when you can't be sure how much dose is being delivered. We are talking about sizable differences too, like one-half to double the intended dose.
Taking the drug before or after meals takes that variability 'out of the equation', allowing for predictable dosing.