Tarceva

Indicated For

EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer

About This Medication

# Genentech Patient Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Tarceva (erlotinib) at Low or No Cost Tarceva (erlotinib) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer in adults. The **Genentech Patient Foundation** offers this important drug **free of charge** to eligible patients who lack insurance coverage or face financial hardship, helping ensure access to life-saving treatment without overwhelming costs.[1][2][7] ## About Tarceva (erlotinib) **Tarceva** is an oral targeted therapy that belongs to a class of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking proteins that signal cancer cells to grow, slowing or stopping tumor progression. It's typically prescribed for patients with specific genetic mutations in their cancer, such as EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations in NSCLC, or in combination with gemcitabine for advanced pancreatic cancer.[1][6] Common side effects include skin rash, diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and cough. Serious risks can involve lung problems, liver issues, or gastrointestinal perforation—always discuss these with your doctor. Tarceva is taken once daily on an empty stomach, and treatment continues as long as it provides benefit and is tolerated. Without assistance, costs can exceed $10,000 per month, making programs like this vital.[1][6] ## Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation? This program targets patients with **financial need**, particularly those **without insurance** or whose insurance denies coverage for Genentech medicines like Tarceva. Eligibility hinges on your **health insurance status** and **household financial situation**, not strict income cutoffs like Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages.[4][5][10] You may qualify if: - You are **uninsured**. - Your insurance has **denied coverage** for Tarceva. - You have **financial concerns** that make affording the medication difficult, regardless of insurance.[1][2][6][8] The program assesses household size and finances via a **Confirm Financial Eligibility form** or specialist review—no proof of citizenship is required, and it's open to US residents (including Puerto Rico) treated by a US-licensed physician.[5][9][10] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Unlike many programs with fixed FPL limits (e.g., 400-500% of FPL), the Genentech Patient Foundation uses a **flexible, case-by-case evaluation** focused on financial need. Provide household size and income details on the Patient Consent Form; no specific thresholds are published, but it's designed for those unable to pay.[4][5] | Household Size | Typical Income Consideration | Notes | |---------------|------------------------------|--------| | 1 person | Evaluated individually | Uninsured or denied coverage prioritized[5] | | 2 people | Based on financial hardship | No fixed FPL limit[4] | | 3 people | Household income reviewed | Call (888) 941-3331 for pre-screen[8] | | 4+ people | Larger households often qualify if need shown | Proof of income may be requested[6] | If unsure, use the online **See If You Qualify** tool or call a Foundation Specialist.[2][4] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured patients**: Primary candidates—program provides free medicine directly.[1][7] - **Insured with denial**: Submit while appealing; proof of denial/appeal **not required** upfront to avoid delays.[6][8] - **Medicare/Medicaid**: Generally ineligible if government insurance covers, but exceptions for denials or high costs—confirm via specialist.[4][10] - **Commercial insurance**: May qualify if copays create financial burden or coverage is denied.[2] Genentech Access Solutions can help navigate coverage first.[2][4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward and takes **two forms** completed together. **Both Patient Consent Form and Prescriber Foundation Form are required**—no action until both received.[1][5][7] 1. **Discuss with your doctor**: Confirm Tarceva is prescribed and medically necessary. Your prescriber completes the **Prescriber Foundation Form** (attests to need, requests supply like 1-year refills).[1][5][10] 2. **Complete Patient Consent Form**: You (or authorized person) fill out personal info, household size, finances, and sign. Available in English/Spanish.[1][9] 3. **Submit together** (multiple methods): - **Online (fastest)**: Doctor logs into My Patient Solutions; patient completes consent online.[1][3] - **eSubmit**: Electronic via GenentechPatientFoundation.com.[9] - **Text photo**: To 650-877-1111.[1][9] - **Fax**: 833-999-4363.[1][5][9] - **Mail**: Check form for address.[6] 4. **Call for help**: (888) 941-3331, Mon-Fri 6am-5pm PT, multilingual support.[8][10] Watch enrollment video on gene.com.[1][2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Within **5 business days** of receiving both forms. Your doctor and you are contacted with outcome/next steps.[1][5][9] - **Approval**: Free medicine for **up to 1 year** (refill options on form).[5][10] - **Delivery**: **Shipped to your home** or doctor's office via specialty pharmacy.[6][10] - **Ongoing**: Continues as long as you qualify—no annual re-enrollment needed.[10] ## Alternatives If Denied - **Appeal internally**: Discuss with Foundation Specialist.[8] - **Genentech Access Solutions**: Copay help, coverage navigation.[2][4] - **Other programs**: PAN Foundation, HealthWell Foundation (check eligibility for NSCLC/pancreatic cancer).[6] - **Patient Access Network**: Similar income-based aid. - **State assistance** or generic alternatives (none for Tarceva currently).[10] Call (888) 941-3331 for personalized options.[8] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available program details as of latest updates. Eligibility, processes, and availability can change—**always verify directly with Genentech Patient Foundation at (888) 941-3331 or gene.com**. Not medical/financial advice; consult your doctor. Genentech not liable for decisions based on this guide. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026