GEFITINIB - ORAL

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GEFITINIB - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ge-FI-ti-nib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Iressa

GENERIC NAME(S): gefitinib

Uses

USES: Gefitinib is used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gefitinib blocks a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase).


How to use GEFITINIB - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take gefitinib by mouth once daily, with or without food, or as directed. Medications which reduce or completely block stomach acid (e.g., proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may decrease the absorption of gefitinib. This could decrease the effectiveness of gefitinib. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nail problems, hair loss, red/sore mouth or throat, or unusual weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist right away. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and kidney problems. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as: unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, dizziness/lightheadedness. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual bleeding (coughing up blood, blood in urine), eye irritation/pain, swelling of the ankles/feet. Gefitinib may cause rare (possibly fatal) lung disease (interstitial lung disease-ILD). Tell your doctor right away if you develop trouble breathing, cough or fever. If you have persistent diarrhea or skin rashes contact your doctor. Your doctor may temporarily stop gefitinib (for up to 14 days) which may help reverse those side effects. Treatment is then resumed with the same dosage. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), severe kidney disease, eye problems, stomach/intestinal ulcers, other stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, blockage, bowel disease), smoking, cancer that has spread to the bowels. Gefitinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using gefitinib is not recommended.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use section. Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (warfarin), drugs which reduce stomach acid (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole), certain liver enzyme inhibitors (CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin), vinorelbine, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen), corticosteroids (such as prednisone). Some liver enzyme inducer medications such as rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort or phenytoin will stimulate certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4). Your dosage of gefitinib may need to be increased if you are using such medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe/persistent diarrhea, severe skin rash.

Images

IRESSA 250 MG TABLET
IRESSA 250 MG TABLET
IRESSA 250 MG TABLET
color
brown
shape
round
imprint
IRESSA 250

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Faq for GEFITINIB - ORAL

Gefitinib is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It is used for the treatment of certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.

Gefitinib works by blocking the action of the EGFR protein, which is involved in the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. By inhibiting this protein, Gefitinib helps slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Some common side effects of Gefitinib may include diarrhea, skin rash, acne, dry skin, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and nail changes. It is important to notify your doctor if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Gefitinib is usually taken once daily, with or without food. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to take the medication. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Gefitinib may interact with certain medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, antidepressants, and heart medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

The response to Gefitinib treatment may vary from person to person. Some individuals may show a response within a few weeks, while others may require a longer period of treatment. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

It is important to notify your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver disease, lung disease, or a history of eye problems. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Gefitinib may cause harm to the unborn baby.

While Gefitinib can be effective in treating certain types of NSCLC, it does not cure the disease. It is used to slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells, improve symptoms, and prolong survival. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

If you miss a dose of Gefitinib, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

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Warning

WARNING: Gefitinib has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including stomach/abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Gefitinib has also rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) holes in the wall of the stomach or intestines. Get medical help right away if you develop stomach/abdominal pain, black/bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.