Generic Tarceva (Erlotinib)
Same active ingredient — erlotinib — as Tarceva®, at a substantially lower price. Produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The same active ingredient, without the originator price
Generic erlotinib is the equivalent of branded Tarceva® — not a different medicine, and not a “knockoff.”
Any switch between brand and generic should be discussed with your prescribing doctor. Reference prices are indicative public list prices and vary by market.
Available generic erlotinib options
Every option contains erlotinib and requires a valid prescription. Grouped by strength.
Availability varies by destination. All options are dispatched after pharmacist review of your prescription.
What Tarceva® typically costs — and the generic alternative
Typical branded reference prices by market, next to our generic erlotinib price.
| Market | Branded Tarceva® — reference price | Generic erlotinib — OnlineMeds |
|---|---|---|
| United States | ~$6,000 / month branded list price |
from
$230.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
| United Kingdom | ~£1,600 / month branded list price |
from
$230.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
| Australia | ~A$2,500 / month branded list price |
from
$230.00 / tablet
tracked worldwide shipping · Rx required
|
Reference prices are indicative public list prices for the originator brand. Prices vary by destination & quantity — not a promised discount.
Erlotinib, explained simply
Written and reviewed by our pharmacist team. Informational only — your doctor directs your treatment.
Erlotinib is the active ingredient in Tarceva®, an EGFR inhibitor used in non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. Generic erlotinib contains the same active ingredient at the same strengths and is produced by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, typically at a substantially lower cost than the originator brand. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Tarceva® is the originator brand name for erlotinib. It is a targeted oncology medicine prescribed in the management of certain cases of non-small cell lung cancer and, in combination with other therapy, pancreatic cancer. It is a prescription-only medicine used under the direction of an oncologist.
Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It targets the EGFR protein signal that can contribute to the growth of certain cancer cells. By blocking this signal, it is used as part of a treatment plan determined by your oncologist. Molecular testing helps identify patients most likely to be prescribed this therapy.
Erlotinib is prescribed for adults with specific types of non-small cell lung cancer (often EGFR-mutation-positive) and, in defined combinations, pancreatic cancer. Suitability is determined by your oncologist based on your diagnosis and overall health.
Erlotinib is usually taken once daily on an empty stomach — at least one hour before or two hours after food — at a dose set by your oncologist (the strength differs between the lung-cancer and pancreatic-cancer indications). Taking it consistently in relation to meals helps keep absorption steady. Your doctor may adjust the dose if side effects occur.
Never change your dose on your own.
Reported side effects of erlotinib may include skin rash (often acne-like), diarrhoea, loss of appetite, tiredness, and changes to the eyes such as dryness. Less common but more serious effects on the lungs, liver, or digestive tract can occur, so report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly. This is not a complete list — see the patient information leaflet.
Store as directed on the patient information leaflet, usually at room temperature away from moisture and out of reach of children. Always follow the storage guidance supplied with your medicine.
Tarceva® vs generic erlotinib
| Attribute | Tarceva® (brand) | Generic erlotinib |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Erlotinib HCl | Erlotinib HCl Same |
| Strengths | 100 mg / 150 mg | 100 mg / 150 mg Same |
| Dosage form | Tablet | Tablet Same |
| Originator | Genentech / Roche | licensed pharmaceutical manufacturer |
| Prescription required | Yes | Yes Same |
| Typical cash price | ~$6,000 / month (United States reference) | from $230.00 / tablet |
| Availability | National pharmacies & insurance coverage | Ships worldwide from OnlineMeds — Rx required |
Equivalence refers to the active ingredient, strength, and form. Discuss any switch with your prescribing doctor.
A pharmacy, not a marketplace
Every order is sourced, checked, and dispatched by our own licensed pharmacy team.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about equivalence, prescriptions, legality, and delivery. Tap a question to expand.
Is generic erlotinib the same as Tarceva?
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Is it legal to import erlotinib for personal use?
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How long does delivery take?
G. Selvaraman is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 13 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.
Informational only. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
This page draws on public information from recognised health authorities and cancer organisations. Always follow the guidance of your own doctor.