Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: GEFITINIB - ORAL (geh-FIT-ih-nib)
BRAND NAME(S): Iressa
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used alone to treat lung cancer after other cancer chemotherapy treatments have not been successful. It is a cancer chemotherapy drug which works by blocking a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase) which may help cancer grow and spread.
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: Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or unusual weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye irritation/pain, swelling of the ankles/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Gefitinib may cause rare (possibly fatal) lung disease (interstitial lung disease-ILD). Tell your doctor immediately 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, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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