Iressa (Getfitinib) Drug Overview and Uses for 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 ...

Read the Lung Cancer article »

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Iressa

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Iressa Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

GEFITINIB - ORAL

(ge-FI-ti-nib)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Iressa

WARNING: Gefitinib has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including stomach/abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

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.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may. Grapefruit may increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.