Which of the following is a characteristic of Eriotinib (Tarceva)?

Erlotinib (Tarceva) is an oral medication used primarily in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. One of its key characteristics is that it must be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. This means that patients should take the medication at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Taking Erlotinib with food, especially high-fat meals, can significantly affect its absorption and lead to reduced effectiveness.

The importance of taking Erlotinib on an empty stomach is directly related to the medication's pharmacokinetics and the impact of food on its bioavailability. Thus, this requirement plays a crucial role in the efficacy of the treatment, as proper absorption is vital for the medication to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.

Understanding this characteristic helps healthcare providers ensure that patients are receiving the maximum benefit from the treatment and allows them to educate patients on how to take the medication properly.