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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 Side Effects

Brand Names: Iressa

Generic Name: gefitinib (Pronunciation: ge FI ti nib)

What is gefitinib (Iressa)?

Gefitinib is a cancer chemotherapy medication. Gefitinib interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Gefitinib is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Gefitinib may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Iressa 250 mg

round, brown, imprinted with IRESSA 250

What are the possible side effects of gefitinib (Iressa)?

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 talk to your doctor if you experience:

mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea;
skin rash, dryness, itching, or acne; or
weakness.

Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with gefitinib. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about gefitinib (Iressa)?

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

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of gefitinib 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 gefitinib.

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