Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); chemotherapy
Generic and brand names: gefitinib, oral; Iressa
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat non-small cell lung cancer. It is used when other cancer medicines have not worked. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. You must be enrolled in a special program before you can receive this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more of it or for longer than prescribed. Taking too much increases the risk of serious side effects. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets, you can dissolve the tablet in half of a glass of non-carbonated water.
If you miss a daily dose and do not remember until the next day, skip that dose and take the regular daily dose. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe diarrhea, rash.
You need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Shortness of breath, cough, fever, eye irritation, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowish eyes or skin, light-colored bowel movements, stomach pain, eye pain, numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
Other: Acne; dry skin; loss of appetite; mouth sores.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
