My Weirdest EGFR Inhibitor Side Effects

Medicines that target the EGFR gene have been a game-changer for many people with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). But they can cause some unusual side effects. With the help of your doctor and care team, you can usually manage these odd symptoms.

EGFR inhibitors aren't chemotherapy. But they can cause a rash that's similar to what's often seen with chemo. It looks like acne-like bumps and mostly happens on your face, chest, and back. About 80% of patients develop this rash. To help prevent this skin problem, don’t use irritating skin products and stay out of the sun. Your doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics or steroid creams to help treat it.

Sometimes, nail issues happen when you take EGFR inhibitors. The skin around your nails can become infected or irritated. Doctors call this paronychia. To help prevent nail changes:

• Don't bite, chew, or pick at your nails.
• Wash your hands often, and keep your nails clean.
• Use lotion if you have dry cuticles.
• Don't cut nails too short.

Doctors treat most nail infections with antibiotics.

EGFR inhibitors can cause sores, inflammation, or a burning sensation around your tongue. At times, these side effects are bad enough to interrupt or end treatment. You can help manage the mouth and tongue pain with good oral hygiene and special mouthwashes.

Some people who take EGFR inhibitors notice that their eyelashes grow unusually long or start to curl inward. This condition, called trichomegaly, can irritate your eyes. Your doctor might recommend trimming your eyelashes regularly. Sometimes, they also prescribe antibiotics or artificial tears if you notice irritation.

The skin around your fingertips can become very dry when you take EGFR inhibitors. In rare cases, this can lead to painful splits or cracks, which are called fissures. These cracks in the skin can make everyday activities like typing or washing your hands uncomfortable. Doctors usually treat them with corticosteroid creams or other skin moisturizers.

When you take an EGFR inhibitor, you may develop an unusual feeling in your skin. Some people describe it as a tingling, burning, or crawling sensation. To ease this problem, keep skin moisturized, stay out of the sun, and don't use irritating skin products.

Like your eyelashes, facial hair can also grow and become thicker when you take EGFR inhibitors. This side effect usually happens after the first one to two months of therapy. And the hair tends to keep growing. Your doctor can recommend temporary or permanent removal techniques to get rid of the excess hair.

If you take an EGFR inhibitor, food might not taste the same. Some people notice a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth. This can make eating less enjoyable. You can try to rinse your mouth before meals to reduce this side effect. Also, focus on the foods you enjoy. And if you notice a metallic taste, switching to plastic utensils, instead of metal, can sometimes help.