What is Gefitinib?
Gefitinib, a cancer drug, interferes with cancer cell growth and spread in the body. Gefitinib can be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. Gefitinib can be used to treat cancers that have spread to other areas of the body. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of gefitinib.
Side effects of Gefitinib
If you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat seek medical help immediately.
Gefitinib can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Diarrhea that is severe or persistent
- Chest pain or discomfort with fever or a new cough;
- Blurred vision, red or painful eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and watery eyes are all symptoms of this condition.
- Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach discomfort, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Jaundice.
- Signs of stomach bleeding include severe stomach pain, bloody stools, or tarry stools. You may also cough up blood or vomit, which looks like coffee grounds.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore mouth, swelling of the face, tongue, or eyes, burning in the eyes, followed by skin pain, then a reddish-purple rash that spreads to other parts of your body, causing blisters and peeling.
Gefitinib can cause a variety of side effects.
- Diarrhea;
- Acne;
- Dry skin
- Itching or a skin rash
There may be other side effects.Need medical advice regarding possible side effects? Speak to your physician now.The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Please read and follow all instructions listed on your medication's label or package before beginning treatment.Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to gefitinib, it is best not to use it.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that gefitinib will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- lung cancer is not the only lung disease that can cause vision problems or breathing problems.
- Are you on warfarin Coumadin Jantoven Blood Thinners
Avoid using gefitinib while pregnant. This drug could harm an unborn child. Use birth control to avoid pregnancy during your gefitinib treatment and for 2 weeks following the end of your treatment. This medicine can affect women's fertility (the ability to have children). Inform your doctor of any plans to get pregnant. Gefitinib is not known to pass into breast milk. It's also unknown if it can harm a baby who's nursing. Do not breastfeed while taking Gefitinib.
How to take Gefitinib?
You will be tested by your doctor to determine the type of tumor that needs to be treated. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may adjust your dosage periodically in order to achieve maximum efficacy.Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer. Take gefitinib either with or without food.
Make swallowing easier.
- Place the tablet in a glass filled with water (4–8 ounces). Stir for 15 minutes.
- Use only water.
- Do not save this mixture for later use. Stir it and drink it immediately. This mixture should not be saved for later.
- Pour, ensuring you receive the full dose, and add another 4–8 ounces to the glass. Swirl gently, then drink immediately.
- You can also administer this mixture through a nasogastric tube (NG). For instructions, ask your healthcare provider.
You may need to have frequent blood tests done while taking gefitinib to monitor your liver function. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Take 250 mg once daily orally until the disease progresses or toxicity is unacceptable.
Note: Patients who have trouble swallowing tablets should immerse them in 4–8 ounces of noncarbonated water and stir for 15 minutes. The liquid can be consumed or administered through a nasal tube. Rinse out the container with water (4 to 8 ounces) and then drink it or administer via a nasogastric tube.
Comments:
Select patients for first-line treatment with this drug based upon the presence of EGFR deletions (exon 19 or exon 21) or mutations (L858R) in their tumors or plasma samples.
Use: As first-line therapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose tumors contain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), exon 19 deletions, or exon 21 (L858R), substitution mutations detected by FDA-approved tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next dose will be in less than 12 hours, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid taking antacids or stomach acid-reducing medications (Nexium, Pepcid, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Zantac) 6 hours before you take gefitinib or 6 hours after. Gefitinib can be less effective if you take it with other medications.
Interaction with other drug
Gefitinib may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.
