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Rapid onset of conjunctivitis associated with overdosing of erlotinib
Author(s) -
Sun P.,
Long J.,
Chen P.,
He Q.,
Gao X.,
Li S.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/jcpt.12641
Subject(s) - erlotinib , medicine , epidermal growth factor receptor , cancer
Summary What is known and objective Erlotinib is one of the epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) inhibitors and is widely used as a targeted therapy for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ). There are a few reports regarding ocular adverse effects of erlotinib. Herein, we report a case of rapid onset of ocular toxicity associated with overdosing of erlotinib. Case description A 72‐year‐old male with metastatic NSCLC developed conjunctivitis after accidentally taking erlotinib at a dosage of 300 mg/day for 4 days. Before that, the patient had been taking erlotinib at the prescribed dose of 150 mg/day for 17 days. Erlotinib was discontinued for 7 days, and the conjunctivitis was successfully treated symptomatically. The adverse effect did not recur when he resumed taking erlotinib 150 mg/day, suggesting the ocular change was related to the overdosing of erlotinib. What is new and conclusion Awareness and close monitoring of this adverse effect are helpful for doctors and pharmacists to identify inadvertent drug overdose. Patients should be provided comprehensive education before receiving targeted therapy.