Tuesday, 28 April 2020

How Darunavir Ritonavir combination is useful in the treatment of HIV

Darunavir Ritonavir for HIV treatment

Darunavir: 

Darunavir (DRV), is an antiretroviral medication, which is sold under the brand name Prezista in order to treat as well as prevent HIV/AIDS.
DRV (Darunavir) is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It is often used with low doses of ritonavir or cobicistat with the motive of increasing the levels of darunavir. Darunavir, combines with the ritonavir 100 mg antiretroviral and with some other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in antiretroviral treatment experienced adult patients, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) strains resistant to more than one protease inhibitor.

Darunavir comes as the strengths which are as follows:



Side Effects of Darunavir: 

This is a quite well-tolerated medication and sometimes it may leave some adverse reactions, which are as follows:

  • Skin rash
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Serum transaminase elevation
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Fat maldistribution

Ritonavir:

Ritonavir (RTV), an antiretroviral medication, which is sold under the trade name Norvir in order to treat HIV/AIDS.
Ritonavir is generally prescribed for use along with other medications. When Ritonavir is used with the other medications, then this combination treatment is called HAART, which stands for highly active antiretroviral therapy. Often a low dose this medication is used with other protease inhibitors. It may also be used in combination with other medications for hepatitis C.

How Does Ritonavir Works: 

Initially, ritonavir was developed as an inhibitor of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) protease, which is one of a family of pseudo-C2-symmetric small molecule inhibitors.
The role of Ritonavir is as a booster. It is rarely used for its own antiviral activity.  This medication is mostly as well as widely used as a booster of other protease inhibitors.
Most important aspect of ritonavir is that it is used in order to inhibit a particular enzyme, in the liver, intestines, and elsewhere, that normally metabolizes protease inhibitors, cytochrome P450-3A4 (CYP3A4).
The drug binds to and inhibits CYP3A4 so that a low dose can be used in order to enhance the other protease inhibitors.
This medication comes as the strength of Ritonavir 100mg.

Side Effects of Ritonavir: 

Ritonavir most widely used as a lower dose. Its activity is mainly based on a CYP3A4 inhibitor.
The most common side effects of ritonavir are as follows:

  • Asthenia, malaise
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Taste Abnormality
  • Metabolic Effects

How Combination Of Darunavir/Ritonavir is Effective:

The reason behind taking both the protease inhibitors (darunavir, ritonavir) is that ritonavir has the potential that it will boost the level of darunavir and also it increases the effect of darunavir.

The recommended oral dose of darunavir tablets should be taken according to the prescribed by your healthcare provider. This medication should be taken with food. The sort of meal/food may not affect the exposure to darunavir.

Interaction: Darunavir ritonavir are both inhibitors of the CYP3A4 isoform.
Darunavir/Ritonavir should not be used in combination with rifampicin, as this may cause significant decreases in darunavir plasma concentrations. This may result in loss of therapeutic effect to Darunavir.

Read:- Carvedilol uses and its side effects.

Sunday, 26 April 2020

Uses of Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir

Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir

What is Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir: 


The combination of these three medications is indicated for the treatment of (HIV) infection in adults aged 18 years and over who have previously been treated with other class of drugs which inhibit the activity of retroviruses (antiretroviral medicines) and have their HIV-1 infection under control for at least three months. The respective patient should not have experienced the failure of a previous Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) therapy.

Efavirenz: Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. This is an active substance, which is also known as antiretroviral medicine, which works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

Emtricitabine: Emtricitabine is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Emtricitabine is an active substance, which is also known for its antiretroviral activity. This medicine works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

Tenofovir Disoproxil: Tenofovir Disoproxil is a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Tenofovir Disoproxil is also an active substance, which is also known as antiretroviral medicine, which works by interfering with an enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that is necessary for the virus in order to multiply.

What are the uses of Efavirenz Emtricitabine Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate:


The purpose of combining these three drugs into a single, once-daily pill reduces pill burden and simplifies dosing schedules, and therefore has the potential to increase adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Efavirenz is an NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) of HIV-1. Emtricitabine is an NRTI (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and Tenofovir is a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor of HIV-1, and it can be classified as a NtRTI. All these three medications work in a combination in order to target the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase protein in three ways, which basically helps in reducing the virus's capacity to mutate.

Coming up to the combinational studies there were synergistic antiviral effects observed in between emtricitabine and efavirenz, efavirenz and tenofovir, and emtricitabine and tenofovir.

In the year of 2006 in the United States, Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir was approved as a once-daily tablet in order to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The main advantage of this new medication was that it could be taken once daily and reduce the overall stress in an antiretroviral regimen.

Related:- List of HIV Medications


Side Effects of Efavirenz Emtricitabine and Tenofovir: 

Common side effects of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir could be occur as follows:

  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Gastrointestinal Distress
  • And, Skin Discoloration
  • Some more severe side effects could be as:
  • Hallucinations
  • Sleeplessness
  • Abnormal Dreams
  • Depression

While on HIV therapy patients may experience an increase in their weight and in levels of glucose and blood lipids. The recommended dosage of efavirenz, emtricitabine and tenofovir should be one tablet at or before bedtime.

In order to reduce the side effects, this medication should be taken on an empty stomach. People with kidney or liver problems can take one tablet by mouth once a day.

Some below-enlisted medications should be avoided while on with Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir include:

  • Bepridil
  • Midazolam
  • Pimozide
  • Triazolam or Ergot Derivatives
Additionally, St. John's wort is known to reduce the effectiveness of efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, resulting in increased viral load and possible resistance to Efavirenz, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate.

Read: What are the symptoms of HIV, and how to control HIV Infection?

Thursday, 23 April 2020

All you need to know about Entecavir tablets

entecavir tablets

What is Entecavir: 

Entecavir 0.5 mg contains Entecavir as an active substance. Entecavir 0.5 & 1mg tablets are anti-viral medicines, used to treat chronic (long term) hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults.

What is the use of Entecavir tablets: 

Entecavir can be used in people whose liver is damaged but still functions properly (compensated liver disease) and in people whose liver is damaged and does not function properly (decompensated liver disease).

This medication (Entecavir) is also used to treat HIV infection, and chronic HBV infection (long term) in children and adolescents aged 2 years to less than 18 years.

Entecavir may also be used in children with the compensated liver disease means whose liver is damaged but still functions properly.

Hepatitis B virus may lead towards the infection which has the potential to damage the liver. Entecavir tablets are effective in order to reduce the amount of virus in the body, and in this way it helps in enhancing the condition of the liver.

Side Effects of Entecavir: 

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Patients with Entecavir have reported some common adverse reactions which are as follows:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia (Inability to sleep)
  • Fatigue (Extreme tiredness)
  • Somnolence (Sleepiness)
  • Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
  • Increased blood levels of liver enzymes. 

Uncommon side effects are as: rash, severe allergic reactions, and hair loss.

In case of any adverse reactions talk to your healthcare provider. 


How Entecavir is useful in the treatment of HIV: 

Entecavir is a nucleoside analog, or a deoxyguanosine analogue that mainly belongs to a class of medication named carbocyclic nucleosides. This medication inhibits reverse transcription, DNA replication and transcription in the viral replication process.

This medication is highly potent against HBV, but can select for HIV resistance mutations (M184V). Therefore, entecavir should only be used in HBV/HIV coinfected patients in addition to (and should not replace components of) fully suppressive ART.

Entecavir mainly works by reducing the amount of HBV in the blood by resisting and decreasing its ability to multiply and infect new cells.

The efficacy of entecavir medication has been found good in several clinical trials. Entecavir, when taken by mouth is more effective and also well-tolerated treatment.

  • In most cases, you may take Entecavir 0.5mg with or without food. However, if you have had a previous treatment with a medicine containing the active substance lamivudine you should consider the following.
  • In case of moving towards the Entecavir 0.5 because the treatment with lamivudine was not successful, you should take Entecavir on an empty stomach once daily.
  • If your liver disease is very advanced, your doctor will also instruct you to take Entecavir 1mg on an empty stomach.
  • Empty stomach stands as, at least 2 hours after a meal and at least 2 hours before your next meal.
  • Children and adolescents (from 2 to less than 18 years of age) can take Entecavir 1mg with or without food.
  • The price of Entecavir is affordable which can be purchased by any respective patient from any authorized pharmaceutical company. 
            
            List of Medications for HIV

Tuesday, 21 April 2020

LIST OF HIV MEDICATIONS

What is HIV/AIDS: 

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus that infect humans. The virus destroys CD4 cells that help the body to fight against infectious disease. This weakens the immune system of the body and thus ultimately leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus Syndrome(AIDS).
AIDS is a condition in which there is a failure of the immune system and the body becomes weak causing infection and cancer.

There are two types of human immunodeficiency virus that belong to the genus Lentivirus.
The two types of human immunodeficiency virus are namely, human immunodeficiency virus 1 and human immunodeficiency virus 2.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1: This is the most common type of HIV and attacks the human immune system. Human immunodeficiency virus 1 harms the immune system of the body and also leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus 2: HIV-2 also shows infection just as HIV-1 but generally takes a longer time to progress for AIDS.

HIV virus is mainly transmitted sexually, blood transfusion,  infected needles, body fluid. HIV does not transmit by physical touch or by air. At the initial stage, the virus may remain inactive in the body but after sometimes the symptoms may appear. The major symptoms includes:
  • Nausea
  • Headache 
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Night Sweats 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Pneumonia 
  • Shingles 
  • Rash
  • Vaginal yeast infection. 
Rash is often the first symptom of HIV and approx 90% of people having HIV develop Rash.

Is There Any Cure of HIV:

In the current era there is no such CURE OF HIV but by the use of antiretroviral Regimes (ARVs) the effect of AIDS can be reduced and thus the life expectancy of the person can be increased from 9 to 11 years. As there is no permanent cure of HIV but the TREATMENT OF HIV starts as soon as virus infection is confirmed, the treatment includes antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral therapy is basically a combination of medicines that helps to enhance the immune system of the body. This therapy helps to protect the CD4 cells that contribute into a strong immune system, therapy not only helps in avoiding HIV to transmit in healthy persons but also lowers the chances of infection and cancer.

There are approximately 25 antiretroviral therapy medications that help to destroy and inhibit the growth of viruses by providing strength to CD4 cells. The major antiretroviral medications are divided into 6 classes. These classes are:
  • Fusion inhibitors
  • Protease inhibitors
  • Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) 
  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors(NRTI) 
  • Integrase strand transfer inhibitors. 
  • Entry inhibitors. 

Some Most recommended HIV medicines are elaborated as follows:

List of HIV Medications: 
  • Treatment of HIV-1 infection requires a combination of different medications, also called antiretroviral drugs. 
  • Some of these medications are combined together into one pill. 
  • These medications should be taken every day as prescribed, in order to control the virus. 
  • These medications do not cure HIV-1 or AIDS, rather eliminates the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. 
  • Not all medications are right for all people, and treatment may be different for each person; you should contact your healthcare provider or other health care providers in order to know about your treatment. 

1. LOPINAVIR:

Lopinavir is an antiretroviral drug that belongs to a class of protease inhibitors. It is used in the treatment of HIV-1 when used in combination with the other protease inhibitor drug, ritonavir. The reason why it is combined with ritonavir is that it has very low oral bioavailability. Lopinavir is a peptidomimetics molecule that contains hydroxy ethylene that mimics the peptide linkage targeted by HIV-1 protease enzyme thus preventing the activity of HIV-1 protease.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, headache, and stomach trouble are common side effects of lopinavir.

How Should I Take Lopinavir: Lopinavir should be taken orally at a fixed time of the day, either with or without food. The tablet must be swallowed whole and should not consumed crushed, chewed or broken tablets.

2. RITONAVIR:

Ritonavir is the antiretroviral drug that is used to inhibit the reproduction of the HIV virus and belongs to a protease inhibitor class. It is basically available into two forms: liquid and capsule and are used as a booster for other protease inhibitor drugs when used in a low dose. Ritonavir is used in the treatment of Hepatitis C when combined with other therapies because ritonavir alone is in an inactive state in case of the Hepatitis C virus.

Most Common Adverse Reactions: The most common side effects include rash, numbness, vomiting, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, mood Change are some common side effects of ritonavir.

How Should I Take Ritonavir: Ritonavir 100mg  is taken orally at a fixed time of the day with doctor's instruction. Do not break, chew or crush the tablet. The tablet must be taken whole. It is advised to take the tablet at the same time of the day as other protease inhibitor drugs taken for its effective and efficient effect.

3. LOPINAVIR AND RITONAVIR COMBINATION:

The combination medicine contains two products that are Lopinavir and Ritonavir. This combination of medicines is used with another medicine to reduce and control HIV infection. It either increases the number of CD4 cells or decreases the HIV virus count so that the immune system of the body can work better.
Both of these products belong to the protease inhibitor class and the main function of ritonavir is to boost the effect of lopinavir by increasing its amount in the body.
The combination of lopinavir ritonavir does not cure the HIV infection rather it is used to avoid the AIDS infection or the illness caused by the HIV virus.

Most Common Adverse Effect: The most common side effects of lopinavir and ritonavir combination drugs are diarrhoea, headache, muscle pain, weakness, numbness, and heartburn.

How Should I Take Lopinavir Ritonavir Combination: The combination of lopinavir and ritonavir is taken orally either in the form of tablet or in liquid. The solution form of this combination is taken with food and tablet form can be taken with or without food. This combination drug is taken once daily or by doctor's advice.

4. ENTECAVIR:

Entecavir, mainly prescribed in order to treat chronic hepatitis B infection in adults and children 2 years and older with active viral replication and evidence of active disease with elevations in liver enzymes.
Post liver transplant, this medication also can be used in order to prevent HBV reinfection and to treat HIV patients infected with HBV. Entecavir is not prescribed for use in HIV-HBV co-infected patients. Entecavir helps in reducing the amount of HBV in the blood by resisting as well as reducing its ability to multiply and infect new cells.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea.

How Should I Take Entecavir: Entecavir 0.5mg should be taken on an empty stomach (at least 2 hours after a meal and 2 hours before the next meal).
Entecavir must be taken by mouth, so that it will be more effective and generally well tolerated treatment.

5. ATAZANAVIR:

Atazanavir, an antiretroviral drug prescribed for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. This medication is generally recommended in order to use with other antiretrovirals. Post the needlestick injury or other potential exposure, this medication may be used for prevention.
This drug appears to be safe in order to use during pregnancy. It is of the protease inhibitor (PI) class, which mainly works by blocking HIV protease.
In the year of 2003, Atazanavir was approved for medical use.
This medication is contraindicated in those with previous hypersensitivity.

Common Adverse Effects: Common side effects include headache, nausea, yellowish skin, abdominal pain, trouble sleeping, and fever.

How Should I Take Atazanavir: Atazanavir sulfate Capsules must be taken with food. Patients should avoid the consumption of broken capsules.
The recommended dosage of this medication simply depends on the treatment history of the patient and the use of other coadministered drugs.
Atazanavir is available as the following strengths:
  • Atazanavir 100mg capsule
  • Atazanavir 150mg capsule
  • Atazanavir 200mg capsule
  • Atazanavir 300mg capsule


6. ATAZANAVIR RITONAVIR:

The combination of Atazanavir Ritonavir (ATV/r) used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The combination of atazanavir and ritonavir may be used instead of lopinavir/ritonavir.

Most Common Adverse Effects: Most common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, yellowish skin, muscle pains, and headache.

How Should I Take Atazanavir Ritonavir: Atazanavir/Ritonavir Capsules must be taken with food. The recommended dosage directly depends on the treatment history of the patient  and the use of other coadministered drugs. When coadministered with didanosine, H2-receptor antagonists, or proton-pump inhibitors, dose separation may be required.


7. DARUNAVIR

Darunavir, an antiretroviral drug recommended to use for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It is mainly prescribed for use with other antiretrovirals. This medication is often used with low doses of ritonavir or cobicistat in order to enhance the darunavir levels. The medication can be also used for the prevention of post needlestick injury.
On October 21, 2008, this medication was approved by the FDA for use in people who have previously not treated for HIV.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and rash.

How Should I Take Darunavir: Darunavir 800mg should be taken by mouth once to twice a day. Darunavir should be co-administered along with ritonavir.
Taking this medication with food may provide the desired antiviral effect. In circumstances of failure to administer darunavir with ritonavir and food might result in a loss of efficacy of darunavir.

8. ABACAVIR

Abacavir belongs to a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) class. This medication is quite effective in treatment of HIV infection. This medication reduces the chances of HIV complications and reduces acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the body. The mechanism of action of abacavir is that it inhibits the growth and replication of viral DNA by blocking the activity of the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme. Abacavir should always be taken along with other antiretroviral medications.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, rash, sneezing, and sore throat.

How Should I Take Abacavir: Abacavir 300 mg is always taken under doctor's prescription. Abacavir is taken with or without food and always in combination of the other antiretroviral medications. Children at the age of 3 month or above can consume abacavir.

9. NEVIRAPINE:

Nevirapine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used in combination with other antiretroviral medications for the control and treatment of HIV Type 1. Nevirapine basically belongs to the DIPYRIDODIAZEPINONE chemical class. This medication is always taken along with Retrovir or Videx.

Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects of this medication include fatigue, fever, headache, insomnia, nausea, Rash, vomiting and weight loss.
Rash being the most common adverse reaction of the medication.

How Should I Take Nevirapine: The existing tablet should be consumed with or without food it must be taken as a whole.

10. LAMIVUDINE:

Lamivudine is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of AIDS. It is also used in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B when no effective drugs are present. This is a rare medicine which is effective on both HIV 1 and HIV 2 virus. This medication is not used alone, it is always used in combination with some other antiretroviral medicines such as abacavir and zidovudine.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhoea, cough, nasal symptoms.

How Should I Take Lamivudine: Lamivudine 300mg is taken once daily with or without food. Lamivudine tablets must be used as your doctor's directions.

11. EFAVIRENZ EMTRICITABINE AND TENOFOVIR:

The combination of Efavirenz, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir disoproxil sold under the brand name Atripla, which is a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It is a fixed-dose combination therapy. It can be used by itself or together with other antiretroviral medications.
This medication should not be used in children and also should be avoided while on the pregnancy.

Most Common Adverse Effects: The most common side effects include headache, trouble sleeping, sleepiness, and unsteadiness.

How Should I Take Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir: ATRIPLA should be taken orally on an empty stomach. Taking the dose at bedtime is able to improve the tolerability of nervous system symptoms.
The combination of containing the strengths of each tablet is as:
  • 600 mg of efavirenz
  • 200 mg of emtricitabine
  • and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. 

Read:- How to control HIV Infection

Thursday, 16 April 2020

How effective is erlotinib against lung cancer?

erlotinib 150mg for lung cancer

In lung cancer treatment erlotinib has been shown quite effective in patients who carried EGFR mutations. but appears to be more effective in patients with EGFR mutations. In November 2005, this lung cancer medication was also approved by FDA for pancreatic cancer.

Specifications of Erlotinib 150 mg:

Following terms of Erlotinib tablets represents that, in what ways this medication is effective.
  • Erlotinib is a selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
  • The medication reduces the autophosphorylation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in intact tumor cells and the proliferation of the EGFR dependent cell, which blocks the initiation of the cellular cycle in the G1 phase.
  • This medication was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of locally advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in 2004.
  • Studies show that monotherapy would be useful with this drug and also more active for patients with NSCLC and mutated EGFR.
  • The use of erlotinib 150 mg has been shown to be quite effective in the treatment of NSCLC with mutated EGFR.
  • Patients with EGFR-activating mutations, such as L858R in exon 21 and deletions in exon 19, show improvement in symptoms and a higher response rate with the use of erlotinib.
  • Investigation of the EGFR mutation is essential for the decision to initiate the use of erlotinib, and its absence is justified only by the impossibility of performing it, such as, for example, due to scarcity of material.
  • This mutation was found with greater frequency in non-smoking patients with the adenocarcinoma histological subtype, which, presented with greater sensitivity to gefitinib and erlotinib in one study.
  • Elderly patients also benefited from the use of erlotinib, but at the cost of greater toxicity, even though it is tolerable in most cases.
  • The subgroup of patients include Asian patients, of the female gender, with adenocarcinoma subtype, and non-smokers are at the greatest benefit from the medication.
  • It also includes those who are at the greatest prevalence of EGFR mutations.
  • The KRAS gene mutation showed an inverse relation with the response to erlotinib, as well as with the non-coexistence with the EGFR mutation. 
  • Treatment with erlotinib in patients with mutated KRAS resulted in worse survival in comparison with the control group, suggesting a possible reduction of responsiveness to erlotinib in the presence of the said mutation. 
  • Overall response rate (OR) is approximately 50%, which is far better than the standard second-line chemotherapy
  • One-year survival is similar to standard second-line therapy. 
  • Progression-free survival similar to standard second-line therapy. 
  • And overall survival is also similar to standard second-line therapy. 




How is stage 4 lung cancer diagnosed?

In stage 4, cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or bones.
As a consequence, many patients go to their healthcare providers when the disease is at an advanced stage when symptoms become more troublesome and persist.

Symptoms to watch out for include:
  • Persistent cough
  • A change in a persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of weight
  • Aches or pains while breathing or coughing. 
  • Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with signs of blood. 
Diagnosis helps in the detection of the disease. In order to obtain an accurate and precise diagnosis, analysis of cancerous cell tissue is very crucial. There are a variety of tests available in order to diagnose lung cancer.

Bronchoscopy: It is a kind of visual examination of the trachea and internal parts of the lungs. Specimens of tissue can be taken from inside the patient lungs in order to gather cells for analysis.
Cytology: In this, a sample of sputum is taken to in order to specify the diagnosis and the type of lung cancer
Needle biopsy: In order to obtain cells for analysis, needle biopsy takes place along with a CT scan.

Medications for Lung Cancer:

Treatment options vary depending on the type and stage of cancer in addition to its size, position in the lung, whether it has reached to the other parts of the body. And also the overall physical health of the patient plays a major role.
In general, the treatment options for NSCLC are:
  • Surgery: Patients with early-stage, localised Non Small Cell Lung Cancer may be successfully treated using surgery. Approximately, up to 70% of patients survive for at least five years after diagnosis if treated at this stage, with a proportion of these patients being cured.
  • Radiotherapy: For patients with un-operated on cancer, radiotherapy may be offered alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
  • Treatment with the help of radiotherapy plays a key role in order to provide control and relief of the symptoms of lung cancer.
  • Chemotherapy: Most of the cases of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage 1, and in this stage, the cancer has already spread to the other parts and in such cases, surgery could be difficult. 
  • Biological (targeted) Therapy: Targeted therapy is relatively a new approach to cancer treatment that targets specific biological processes often essential to tumour growth.
  • As a targeted therapy, Erlotinib 150 mg is available at the lowest price. Erlotinib tablets should be taken orally.