Gefitinib: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What drug Gefitinib?

What is the drug Gefitinib used for?

Gefitinib is a drug to treat lung cancer. These drugs work by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gefitinib stops certain proteins (enzymes called tyrosine kinases).

How do you use the drug Gefitinib?

Take gefitinib once daily, with or without food, or as directed.

Medicines that reduce or completely block stomach acid (eg, proton pump inhibitors / PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) can decrease the absorption of gefitinib. This can decrease the effectiveness of gefitinib. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking this drug.

Use this remedy regularly to get its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the same time every day.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store Gefitinib?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Gefitinib dosage

What should be considered before using the drug Gefitinib?

Before using gefitinib,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gefitinib or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using. Be sure to mention 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); drugs 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 drugs can interact with gefitinib, so be sure to tell your doctor about all drugs you use, even those that don't appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor about any herbal products you use, especially St. John's Wort.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had fibrosis of the lungs (scarring of the lungs), or liver or kidney disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should use contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with gefitinib and for some time after you stop using the drug. If you become pregnant while using gefitinib, call your doctor. Gefitinib can harm the fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking gefitinib.

Is the drug Gefitinib safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = Positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = Unknown)

There are not adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Weigh the benefits against the potential risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Gefitinib side effects

What are the possible side effects of Gefitinib?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects from gefitinib, contact your doctor immediately:

• allergic reactions (including difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, or hives);
• lung problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increased cough, fever, or chest pain);
• severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea; or
• eye pain or irritation.

Other, less serious side effects are more likely. Continue to use gefitinib and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or moderate to moderate diarrhea;
• skin rash, dryness, itching, or acne; or
• weakness.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Gefitinib Drug Warnings and Cautions

What drugs can interfere with the drug Gefitinib?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may want to change the dose, or take other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the work of the drug Gefitinib?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Gefitinib?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems:

• liver disease;
• Kidney illness;
• respiratory problems, lung diseases other than lung cancer; or
• if you are taking a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).

Gefitinib Drug Interactions

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of the drug Gefitinib for adults?

The usual adult dose for lung cancer cells is not small

250 mg orally with or without food

What is the dose of Gefitinib for children?

Safety and efficacy are not known in children <18 years; Therefore, it is not recommended for use in pediatric patients. Central nervous system bleeding and death were reported in pediatric patients who received gefitinib alone or with radiation for primary central nervous system tumors.

In what dosages and preparations is Gefitinib available?

Tablet, Oral: 250 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Overdose symptoms may include:

• diarrhea
• rash

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.