This page is for informational purposes only
What is Iressa (Gefitinib - Oral) ?
Can I buy Iressa without Health Insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?
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How is Iressa (Gefitinib - Oral) Pronounced? geh-FIT-ih-nib
Who is the Manufacturer of Iressa? Astrazeneca
What is Iressa Used For? Iressa is used alone to treat lung cancer after other cancer chemotherapy treatments have not been successful. It is a cancer chemotherapy drug which works by blocking a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase) which may help cancer grow and spread.
How To Use Iressa
Take gefitinib by mouth once daily, with or without food, or as directed. Medications which reduce or completely block stomach acid (e.g., proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may decrease the absorption of gefitinib. This could decrease the effectiveness of gefitinib. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications. Use Iressa regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Iressa Side Effects
Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or unusual weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: eye irritation/pain, swelling of the ankles/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach/abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin. Gefitinib may cause rare (possibly fatal) lung disease (interstitial lung disease-ILD). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop trouble breathing, cough or fever. If you have persistent diarrhea or skin rashes contact your doctor. Your doctor may temporarily stop gefitinib (for up to 14 days) which may help reverse those side effects. Treatment is then resumed with the same dosage. An allergic reaction to Iressa is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: severe rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Iressa Precautions
Before using Iressa, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: lung disease (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), severe kidney disease, any allergies. Gefitinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. It is not known whether Iressa passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using gefitinib is not recommended.
Iressa Drug Interactions
Before using Iressa, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: blood thinners (warfarin), drugs which reduce stomach acid (e.g., ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole), certain liver enzyme inhibitors (CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin). Some liver enzyme inducer medications such as rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), St. John s wort or phenytoin will stimulate certain liver enzymes (CYP 3A4). Your dosage of gefitinib may need to be increased if you are using such medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Iressa Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe/persistent diarrhea, severe skin rash.
Missed Iressa Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Iressa Storage
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
| Generic and Namebrand Variations |
|---|
| Label Name | Unit | Package | Color | Shape | Flavor | NDC |
|---|
| Iressa 250mg Tablet |
Tab |
Bottle |
Brown |
Round |
|
00310048230 |
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