Iressa (Getfitinib) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Iressa

Lung Cancer »

What is lung cancer?

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor.

Tumors can be benign or malignant; when we speak of "cancer," we are referring to those tumors that are malignant. Benign tumors usually can be removed and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and invade other tissues of the body, allowing entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system and then to other sites in the body. This process of spread is termed metastasis; the areas of tumor growth at these distant ...

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Iressa

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Iressa Drug Center

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Iressa Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

IRESSA® (gefitinib) Structural Formula Illustration

IRESSA (getfitinib) is indicated as monotherapy for the continued treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer after failure of both platinum-based and docetaxel chemotherapies who are benefiting or have benefited from IRESSA (getfitinib) .

In light of positive survival data with other agents including another oral EGFR inhibitor, physicians should use other treatment options in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patient populations who have received one or two prior chemotherapy regimens and are refractory or intolerant to...

Read the complete drug monograph for Iressa »

What is Iressa Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Patient information?

Easy-to-read and understand detailed drug information and pill images for the patient or caregiver from Cerner Multum.

Iressa Patient Information: Side Effects

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

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

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking gefitinib and ta...

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What is Iressa Patient Information?

Possible Side Effects - Images - What Is - How Should I Take It - What If I Miss a Dose - What Should I Avoid and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Iressa Consumer Information: Uses

Gefitinib is used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gefitinib blocks a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase).

HOW TO USE: 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.

Avo...

Read the complete consumer information for Iressa »