Gefitinib (By mouth)
ge-FI-ti-nib
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Gefitinib is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has already spread) non-small cell lung cancer in patients who have certain types of abnormal epidermal growth factor (EGFR) genes, and did not receive cancer medicines in the past. Your doctor will perform a test before you take this medicine.
Gefitinib belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
If you cannot swallow the tablet, put it in 4 to 8 ounces of water and stir the mixture for 15 minutes to dissolve the tablet. Drink the liquid right away. Add another 4 to 8 ounces of water to the same container, and drink it right away.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose at the usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how gefitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampicin Blood thinner (including warfarin) Medicine to treat depression Stomach medicine (including antacids, cimetidine, esomeprazole, famotidine, omeprazole)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to gefitinib or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 14 days after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of other lung disease.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Interstitial lung disease, which can cause breathing problems Liver problems Gastrointestinal perforation (hole in your stomach or bowel) Eye problems Serious skin reactionsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Eye redness or pain, vision changes, sensitivity to light
New or worsening trouble breathing, fever, cough
Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that does not go away
Severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild rash or itching
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Iressa
There may be other brand names for this medicine.