Iressa (Getfitinib) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gefitinib (Iressa)?

Do not use gefitinib without first talking to your doctor if you have

liver disease; or
lung or breathing problems (other than lung cancer).

You may not be able to take gefitinib, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Gefitinib is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use gefitinib without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Birth control should be used during treatment with gefitinib.

It is not known whether gefitinib passes into breast milk. Do not take gefitinib without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use gefitinib (Iressa)?

Gefitinib should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Take each dose of gefitinib with a full glass of water.

Gefitinib can be taken with or without food.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with gefitinib depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

It is important to take gefitinib regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with gefitinib to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store gefitinib as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing gefitinib at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

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