Iressa (gefitinib) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Iressa is used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose tumors harbor specific gene mutations.
Iressa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
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); 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:
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liver disease;
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kidney disease;
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breathing problems, lung disease other than lung cancer; or
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if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Iressa if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
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. Follow all directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Iressa with or without food.
To make swallowing easier:
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Place the tablet into a glass of water (4 ounces) and allow the tablet to disperse in the water for about 10 minutes. The tablet will not dissolve completely.
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Do not use any liquid other than water.
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Stir and drink this mixture right away. Do not save for later use.
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To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more liquid to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
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This mixture can also be given through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions.
While using Iressa, you may need frequent blood tests to check your liver function.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Iressa dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer:
250 mg orally with or without food
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Iressa?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Iressa side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Iressa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath;
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fever, tired feeling, loss of appetite, weight loss;
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eye discomfort or irritation;
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severe or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting;
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severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back; or
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unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, blood in your urine).
Common Iressa side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Iressa?
Other drugs may interact with gefitinib, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
