Gefitinib
Generic name: gefitinib [ ge-FI-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Iressa
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg)
Drug class:EGFR inhibitors
What is gefitinib?
Gefitinib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Gefitinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
Gefitinib is sometimes used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Gefitinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use gefitinib if you are allergic to it.
To make sure gefitinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
kidney disease;
vision problems;
breathing problems, lung disease other than lung cancer; or
Do not use gefitinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using gefitinib and for at least 2 weeks after your treatment ends.
This medicine may affect fertility (the ability to have children) in women. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether gefitinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed while taking gefitinib.
How should I use gefitinib?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with gefitinib.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take gefitinib with or without food.
To make swallowing easier:
Place the tablet into a glass of water (4 to 8 ounces) and stir for about 15 minutes.
Do not use any liquid other than water.
Stir and drink this mixture right away. Do not save for later use.
To make sure you get the entire dose, add 4 to 8 more ounces of water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
This mixture may also be given through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Ask your healthcare provider for...
