Gefitinib



Iressa™







Gefitinib

(ge FI tye nib)

U.S. Brand Names
Iressa™
Pharmacologic Category
Antineoplastic Agent, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to gefitinib or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat a variety of cancers.
  • This medicine is used to treat lung cancer.
How does it work?
  • Gefitinib injures cancer cells causing their death.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • You may put tablet in glass of water, let it sit for a few minutes, mix and drink. Rinse with more water and drink.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Acne.
  • Lung damage can rarely occur.
  • Eye irritation.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Significant weight loss.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Swelling.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: