Iressa
Generic name:gefitinib [ ge-FI-ti-nib ]
Drug class:EGFR inhibitors
What is Iressa?
Iressa is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Iressa is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
Iressa is sometimes used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Warnings
Iressa should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
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.
Serious side effects have been reported with the use of Iressa including: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); skin reactions/rash, lung problems; liver problems; eye problems; severe nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with Iressa.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Iressa if you are allergic to gefitinib.
To make sure Iressa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
vision problems;
breathing problems, lung disease other than lung cancer; or
if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
Do not use Iressa if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine 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 Iressa.
How should I use Iressa?
Iressa should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agent.
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with Iressa.
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 Iressa 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 aw...
