Information on the association of erlotinib (Tarceva®) with gastrointestinal perforation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and corneal perforation or ulceration [Roche]

Roche updates healthcare professionals on the increased risk of developing gastrointestinal perforations in patients receiving erlotinib (Tarceva®). Additionally, there have also been very rare occurrences of bullous, blistering and exfoliative skin conditions suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis as well as corneal perforation or ulceration in patients receiving Tarceva®. Tarceva® treatment should be discontinued in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation, severe bullous, blistering or exfoliative skin conditions or acute/worsening ocular disorders such as eye pain.

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of these letters can be found in the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP), a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://hpp.moh.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab) and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: Select your profession under ‘For Healthcare Professionals’.

Step 2: Click on ‘Useful links’.

Step 3: Click on ‘MOH Alert’ and log in via Singpass.

Step 4: Click on ‘Drug Alerts’ or ‘Med Device Alerts’ to view the DHCPLs.