Erlotinib

• Take small and frequent meals.
• Avoid foods / smells that may make you feel nauseous, such as oily, fried or strong-smelling food.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes around the waist.
• Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent nausea or vomiting. Take these as instructed.

Diarrhoea (loose and frequent stools)

• Drink plenty of clear fluids (at least 2 litres or 8 cups every day).
• Eat food that is gentler on the stomach such as porridge or soup.
• Avoid milk, dairy products, high-fibre food and oily or spicy food.
• Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve diarrhoea. Take these as instructed.
• Proceed to the A&E Department immediately if you have very bad diarrhoea (for example increase in bowel movement of more than 4 times per day) that does not improve even after taking anti-diarrhoeal medications.

Mouth ulcers or sores. 

• This can occur on the tongue, the sides of the mouth or in the throat and can lead to an infection.

• Rinse your mouth regularly with an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water to help reduce the chances of infection.
• Brush your teeth gently after eating and at bedtime with a soft bristle toothbrush.
• Rinse and brush your dentures after eating and soak them in denture solution overnight.
• Avoid spicy food and take soft foods e.g. porridge.
• Your doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve or prevent the mouth sores. Use these as instructed.
• Inform your doctor if you are eating or drinking a lot lesser because of mouth pain.

• Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or gels to help moisturize and lubricate the eyes to relieve discomfort.
• Inform your doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision and/or sensitivity to light or other changes

• Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling tired.
• Eat well and get enough sleep. Prioritize tasks to ensure you make the best use of your energy.
• Simple exercise such as walking can help to boost your energy.
• Avoid alcohol as this may cause you to feel more tired and drowsy.

Acne-like rashes (pimples) may appear on the face, upper chest and back.

It usually develops within the first 2 weeks of treatment and will get better after stopping treatment.

Your skin may also become flaky and scaly.

• Avoid direct sunlight during and 2 months after treatment. Apply sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Also, you may wear a hat, long sleeves, and long pants outside on sunny days.
• Apply moisturisers to dry areas.
• You may be prescribed antibiotic cream or oral antibiotics to treat the rashes.
• Inform your doctor if the acne-like rash becomes widespread and is bothering you.

Proceed to the A&E department immediately if you experience any:

• Dark of tea-coloured urine
• Pale or light-coloured stools
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Nausea, vomiting with loss of appetite
• Severe abdominal pain

Proceed to the A&E department immediately if you have any new or worsening symptoms of lung problems such as shortness of breath, cough or chest pain.

Symptoms of drug allergy including one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing

Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

• If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

If you need to go into hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment.

Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment.

It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition.

Do not be afraid to share   your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones.

There may be resources and support available to help you.