Iressa Safety Questions, Iressa Answers
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Iressa Safety Reports
Total Iressa reports: 1169.Iressa FDA safety alerts: 2005 .
Reported deaths: 131 Reported hospitalizations: 266.
Take Iressa Side Effects Survey or Share Your Iressa Story.
Reported Iressa Side Effects: diarrhoea, disease progression, dry skin, dyspnoea exertional, interstitial lung disease, alopecia, cough, nausea, fatigue, asthenia, pyrexia.
Iressa Usage.
Showing 1-50 of 1169 Next >
Iressa Side Effects Report #5257020-7Physician from JAPAN reported IRESSA problem on Feb 26, 2007. Female patient, weighting 112.4 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer stage iv, lung adenocarcinoma and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pyrexia. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5259255-6
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from JAPAN on Mar 05, 2007. Male patient, 84 years of age, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: arrhythmia, myocardial infarction. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5259256-8
Physician from JAPAN reported IRESSA problem on Feb 27, 2007. Female patient, 40 years of age, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: diarrhoea, lung disorder. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with PACLITAXEL, CARBOPLATIN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5260813-3
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Mar 05, 2007. Male patient, 72 years of age, was diagnosed with meningitis and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: subdural haemorrhage. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with LOVENOX, IMODIUM. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5262521-1
Physician from JAPAN reported IRESSA problem on Mar 02, 2007. Female patient, 82 years of age, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumatosis intestinalis. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5262671-X
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from CHINA on Feb 27, 2007. Male patient, weighting 141.1 lb, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, metastases to central nervous system, bronchopneumonia, cardiac disorder and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: intestinal obstruction. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CEFTAZIDIME, ISOSORBIDE MONONITRATE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5262692-7
Physician from JAPAN reported IRESSA problem on Feb 27, 2007. Female patient, weighting 112.4 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer stage iv, lung adenocarcinoma, pyrexia and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pyrexia. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CALONAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263422-5
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Aug 03, 2004. Male patient, 69 years of age, weighting 160.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient died on 07/12/2004.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263432-8
Physician from JAPAN reported IRESSA problem on Mar 05, 2007. Female patient, weighting 105.8 lb, was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma stage i, brain oedema, convulsion, depression, insomnia and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: depression, dry eye, interstitial lung disease, nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with DECADRON, DEPAKENE, SOLANAX, AMOBAN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263435-3
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Sept 30, 2004. Female patient, 86 years of age, weighting 133.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with CARTIA XT, TRIAMTERENE AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, MINITRAN. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263436-5
Physician from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Sept 03, 2004. Male patient, 64 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: metastases to central nervous system, metastases to liver. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CAMPTOSAR. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263442-0
IRESSA problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Aug 19, 2004. Female patient, 70 years of age, weighting 145.0 lb, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. Patient died on 08/14/2004.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263443-2
Physician from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Aug 27, 2004. Female patient, 65 years of age, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pulmonary fibrosis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG DAILY PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263444-4
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Aug 27, 2004. Male patient, 70 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression, interstitial lung disease. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263445-6
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Sept 02, 2004. Male patient, 30 years of age, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: interstitial lung disease. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG DAILY PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263446-8
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Sept 08, 2004. Female patient, 62 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263447-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Mar 21, 2005. Male patient, 77 years of age, weighting 212.0 lb, was diagnosed with gastric cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: nasal oedema, rash, rash pustular. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with PLAVIX, GLUCOTROL, ZOLOFT, ALTACE, COUMADIN. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263448-1
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Mar 21, 2005. Female patient, 82 years of age, weighting 138.0 lb, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hepatic enzyme increased. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263449-3
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Mar 17, 2005. Female patient, 87 years of age, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alopecia, diarrhoea, reflux gastritis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with ALBUTEROL, PRILOSEC, REGLAN, IMDUR, XANAX, PROCARDIA, LOPRESSOR. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263451-1
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Mar 15, 2005. Female patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alopecia, anorexia, constipation, depression, diarrhoea, fatigue, hypoaesthesia. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263452-3
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Mar 14, 2005. Female patient was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: eye infection. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG DAILY PO. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263456-0
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Mar 11, 2005. Female patient, 65 years of age, weighting 135.0 lb, was diagnosed with lung cancer metastatic and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: haemoptysis. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263458-4
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Mar 09, 2005. Female patient, 65 years of age, weighting 150.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blister. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with COUMADIN, LOVENOX, RITALIN, LASIX, POTASSIUM ACETATE. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263469-9
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Mar 02, 2005. Female patient, 72 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: lip ulceration, mouth ulceration, normochromic normocytic anaemia, skin ulcer. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263481-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Oct 13, 2004. Female patient, 60 years of age, weighting 120.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: nail infection. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with VITAMINS. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263482-1
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Nov 29, 2004. Female patient, 77 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: diarrhoea, personality change, weight decreased. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263483-3
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Oct 11, 2004. Female patient, 74 years of age, weighting 98.00 lb, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alopecia, amnesia, sinusitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with PREMARIN, SYNTHROID, PROZAC, PROTONIX, ZYRTEC, MICRO, LEVOXYL. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263494-8
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Oct 11, 2004. Female patient was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: herpes zoster, hyperkeratosis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG DAILY. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263495-X
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Oct 08, 2004. Female patient, 75 years of age, weighting 120.0 lb, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: liver function test abnormal. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with TOPROL, NORVASC, BICARBONATE, FOLIC ACID, LASIX, CALCITRIOL, KEFLEX, AMOXICILLIN. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263496-1
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Nov 15, 2004. Female patient, 66 years of age, weighting 137.0 lb, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood alkaline phosphatase increased. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CALCIUM, DECADRON, VITAMIN CAP, SHARK CARTILAGE. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263498-5
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Oct 07, 2004. Female patient, 80 years of age, weighting 118.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: alopecia, onychomadesis, pruritus. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with DIOVAN, NORVASC, NEXIUM, ALBUTEROL, LANOXIN, ZOCOR, TOPROL. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263499-7
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Oct 18, 2004. Female patient, 67 years of age, weighting 148.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dry skin, dyspnoea, fatigue, lower respiratory tract inflammation, rash papular, rash pustular, stomatitis. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with SINGULAIR, TENORMIN, XANAX, AMBIEN, DOXEPIN, CELLU. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263504-8
Physician from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Jan 20, 2004. Male patient, 86 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumonitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263509-7
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Feb 03, 2004. Male patient, 34 years of age, weighting 191.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pancreatitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with IBUPROFEN, IMODIUM, SEREVENT, SENOKOT, COUMADIN, PRILOSEC, PAXIL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263516-4
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Jan 19, 2004. Female patient was diagnosed with neoplasm and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: metastases to central nervous system. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263519-X
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Feb 19, 2004. Male patient, 70 years of age, weighting 148.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: interstitial lung disease. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with ACIPHEX, LISINOPRIL, TAXOTERE, CARBOPLATIN, PACLITAXEL. Patient died on 01/21/2004.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263520-6
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Jan 23, 2004. Male patient, 70 years of age, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: lung infiltration. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with ZOMETA, PROCRIT, COUMADIN, ATENOLOL, ZOLOFT, ATIVAN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263522-X
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Feb 03, 2004. Male patient was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumonitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263523-1
Physician from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Feb 03, 2004. Male patient, 59 years of age, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumonitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. Patient died on 09/21/2003.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263525-5
IRESSA problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Mar 05, 2004. Male patient, 56 years of age, weighting 167.0 lb, was diagnosed with lung neoplasm malignant and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: interstitial lung disease. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG DAILY PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263526-7
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Jan 20, 2004. Male patient, 86 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumonitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263554-1
IRESSA problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Dec 23, 2003. Male patient, 75 years of age, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pancreatitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263556-5
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on July 14, 2003. Female patient, 67 years of age, was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263566-8
IRESSA problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Aug 13, 2003. Male patient, 67 years of age, weighting 220.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with COUMADIN, ATENOLOL, PEPCID, HYCODAN. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263575-9
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on July 21, 2003. Female patient, 77 years of age, weighting 112.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: diarrhoea. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with ZOCOR, ZANTAC, LOPRESSOR. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263576-0
IRESSA problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Oct 14, 2003. Male patient, 73 years of age, weighting 160.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression, lung infiltration. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG QD PO. During the same period patient was treated with ACCUPRIL, OXYCONTIN, AVELOX, AMITRIPTILINE, GLUCOVANCE, LIPITOR. Patient died.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263578-4
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on July 29, 2003. Male patient, 43 years of age, weighting 179.0 lb, was diagnosed with pancreatic carcinoma and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pulmonary fibrosis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263579-6
IRESSA problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Aug 07, 2003. Female patient was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: pneumonitis. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263581-4
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported IRESSA problem on Aug 13, 2003. Male patient, 74 years of age, was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease progression. IRESSA dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Iressa Side Effects Report #5263583-8
IRESSA problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Aug 17, 2004. Male patient, 68 years of age, weighting 203.0 lb, was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and was treated with IRESSA. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: interstitial lung disease. IRESSA dosage: 250 MG PO. During the same period patient was treated with CORAL CALCIUM, OXYGEN. Patient died.
Showing 1-50 of 1169 Next >
Drug Information: Gefitinib
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a607002.html
(ge fi' ti nib)Why is this medication prescribed?
Gefitinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer in people who have already been treated with certain other chemotherapy medications and have not improved or whose condition has worsened. Gefitinib has not been shown to help people who have non-small cell lung cancer live longer. There are other medications that may help people who have non-small cell lung cancer live longer. Therefore, only people who have already taken gefitinib and benefited from the medication should continue to take it. People who have never taken gefitinib should start their treatment with a medication that is known to help patients with lung cancer live longer. Gefitinib is in a class of anti-cancer medications called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.
How should this medicine be used?
Gefitinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take gefitinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take gefitinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are unable to swallow the tablets, you may dissolve them in water. Place one tablet in a half a glass of plain, non-carbonated drinking water. Stir with a spoon for about 10 minutes until the tablet is dissolved. Do not use the spoon to crush the tablet. Drink the mixture right away. Rinse the glass with another half glass of water and drink the rinse water to be sure that you swallow all of the medication.
Gefitinib is not available in pharmacies. You can only get gefitinib through a distribution program that has been set up by the manufacturer for people who have taken gefitinib in the past. You will need to sign a consent form before you receive any medication. You will receive your medication by mail from a specific mail order pharmacy. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about receiving your medication.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking gefitinib,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gefitinib or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol); amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); clarithromycin (Biaxin); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin (E.E.S, E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluvoxamine (Luvox); medications for heartburn and ulcers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac); metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); medications for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra); nefazodone; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); and vinorelbine (Navelbine). Many other medications may interact with gefitinib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or liver or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with gefitinib and for some time after you stop using the medication. If you become pregnant while taking gefitinib, call your doctor. Gefitinib may harm the fetus and increase the risk of pregnancy loss.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed while you are taking gefitinib.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Gefitinib may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry skin
- itching
- rash
- acne
- mouth sores
- weight loss
- weakness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- new or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fever
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- eye pain, redness, or irritation
- change in vision
- growth of eyelashes on the inside of the eyelid
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, arms, feet, ankles or lower legs
Gefitinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- diarrhea
- rash
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to gefitinib.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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