Drug Interactions between erlotinib and Pravachol

Erlotinib should be taken on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal and at the same time each day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. You should also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking erlotinib. Food and grapefruit juice can increase the absorption of erlotinib from the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to higher blood levels of the medication and possibly increased side effects. If you are a smoker, you should try to quit as soon as you can. Cigarette smoking can reduce the blood levels of erlotinib, which may make the medication less effective in treating your cancer. It is best to avoid smoking during erlotinib therapy. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns. If you start smoking or undergo smoking cessation, your doctor may need to adjust your dose of erlotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Pravastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of ethanol (alcohol) may increase that risk. You should limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.