Details

Gefitinib is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Gefitinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Gefitinib is sometimes used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. To make sure gefitinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver disease kidney disease vision problems breathing problems, lung disease other than lung cancer or if you take a blood thinner. Do not use gefitinib if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Typical 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). 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.

Side Effects

Common side effects of gefitinib include severe or ongoing diarrhoea sudden chest pain or discomfort, new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing blurred vision, watery eyes, eye pain or redness, eyes being more sensitive to light liver problems-nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) signs of stomach bleeding-severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds or severe skin reaction-fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Drug Interactions

• Gefitinib+leflunomide- Leflunomide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as gefitinib may increase that risk. Because leflunomide can stay in your blood for a prolonged period after the last dose, interactions with other drugs may occur for some time even after you have stopped taking it. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.
• Gefitinib+lomitapide- Lomitapide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as gefitinib may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol to no more than one drink per day while being treated with these medications.
• Gefitinib+mipomersen- Mipomersen may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as gefitinib may increase that risk. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol to no more than one drink per day while being treated with these medications.
• Gefitinib+teriflunomide- Teriflunomide may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as gefitinib may increase that risk. Because teriflunomide can stay in your blood for a prolonged period after the last dose, interactions with other drugs may occur for some time even after you have stopped taking it. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications.
• Gefitinib+thioridazine- Using thioridazine together with gefitinib is not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the blood levels of thioridazine to dangerous levels and cause an irregular heart rhythm t

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Mechanism of action

Gefitinib blocks a protein called ‘epidermal growth factor receptor’ (EGFR) which is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Pregnancy Category : D