{"id":14542,"date":"2021-10-04T15:26:26","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T15:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=14542"},"modified":"2021-10-11T07:50:41","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T07:50:41","slug":"iressa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/iressa\/","title":{"rendered":"Iressa &#8211; Gefitinib uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>250 mg&nbsp;film-coated tablets<br>gefitinib<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What IRESSA is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IRESSA contains the active substance gefitinib which blocks a&nbsp;protein&nbsp;called&nbsp;epidermal&nbsp;growth&nbsp;factor&nbsp;receptor (EGFR).&nbsp;This&nbsp;protein&nbsp;is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IRESSA is used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer.&nbsp;This cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lung tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What you need to know before taking IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to gefitinib or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).<\/li><li>if you are breast-feeding<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking IRESSA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you have ever had other lung problems before.&nbsp;Some lung problems may be aggravated by treatment with IRESSA.<\/li><li>if you have ever had liver problems<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children and young people<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IRESSA is not intended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Phenytoin&nbsp;or carbamazepine (for&nbsp;epilepsy&nbsp;).<\/li><li>Rifampicin (for&nbsp;tuberculosis&nbsp;&#8211; TBC).<\/li><li>Itraconazole (for fungal infections).<\/li><li>Barbiturates&nbsp;(a type of medicine used to treat sleep problems).<\/li><li>Herbal medicines containing&nbsp;St. John&#8217;s wort&nbsp;(&nbsp;<em>Hypericum perforatum<\/em>&nbsp;, which is used for depression and anxiety).<\/li><li>Proton pump inhibitors&nbsp;, H2&nbsp;antagonists&nbsp;and antacids (for&nbsp;stomach ulcers&nbsp;, stomach upset, heartburn and to reduce stomach acid).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These medicines may affect the effect of IRESSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Warfarin&nbsp;(a so-called&nbsp;oral&nbsp;anticoagulant to prevent blood clots).&nbsp;If you are taking a medicine containing this active substance, your doctor may need to take blood samples more often.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of the above apply to you, or if you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking IRESSA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant, pregnant, or breastfeeding, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with IRESSA as IRESSA may harm your baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use IRESSA if you are breastfeeding.&nbsp;This is for your child&#8217;s safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may feel weak while taking IRESSA.&nbsp;If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">IRESSA contains lactose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>IRESSA contains&nbsp;sodium<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg)&nbsp;sodium&nbsp;per tablet, ie it is essentially &#8216;sodium-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How to take IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is 1 tablet (250 mg) daily.<\/li><li>Take the tablet at about the same time each day.<\/li><li>You can take the tablet with or without food.<\/li><li>Do not take antacids (to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach) 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking IRESSA.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have problems swallowing the tablet, you can dissolve it in half a glass of water that does not contain carbon dioxide.&nbsp;Do not use any other liquid.&nbsp;Do not crush the tablet.&nbsp;Swirl the glass until the tablet has dissolved.&nbsp;This can take up to 20 minutes.&nbsp;Then drink the liquid immediately.&nbsp;To be sure that you have ingested all the medicine, rinse the glass very thoroughly with half a glass of water and drink from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more IRESSA than you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have taken too many tablets, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What to do if you forget to take a tablet depends on how much time is left until the next&nbsp;dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>If it is 12 hours or more until the next dose: take the forgotten tablet as soon as you remember that you forgot it.&nbsp;Then take the next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;at the usual time.<\/li><li>If it is less than 12 hours until you take the next dose: skip the missed&nbsp;dose&nbsp;.&nbsp;Then take the next&nbsp;dose&nbsp;at the usual time.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;(two&nbsp;doses&nbsp;at the same time) to compensate for a missed&nbsp;dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause&nbsp;side effects, although not everybody gets them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contact your doctor immediately if you get any of the following&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;&#8211; you may need immediate medical attention:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Allergic reaction&nbsp;(common) especially if the symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, hives,&nbsp;hives&nbsp;and difficulty breathing.<\/li><li>Severe shortness of breath, or sudden worsening of shortness of breath and possibly also cough and fever.&nbsp;This may mean that you have an&nbsp;inflammation&nbsp;of the lungs called &#8220;interstitial lung disease&#8221;.&nbsp;It affects approximately 1 in 100 patients taking IRESSA and can be life-threatening.<\/li><li>Severe skin reactions (rare) that affect large areas of the body.&nbsp;Signs of this can be&nbsp;redness&nbsp;, pain, sores, blisters and flaking of the skin.&nbsp;Lips, nose, eyes and genitals can also be affected.<\/li><li>Dehydration (common) caused by prolonged or severe diarrhea, vomiting, nausea or loss of appetite.<\/li><li>Eye problems (rare) such as pain, red eyes, watery eyes, photosensitivity, changes in vision or&nbsp;inward&nbsp;growth of the eyelashes&nbsp;.&nbsp;This may mean that you have a wound on the surface of the eye (cornea).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you get any of the following side effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common: may affect more than 1 user in 10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Diarrhea<\/li><li>Vomiting<\/li><li>Nausea<\/li><li>Skin reactions, such as acne-like rashes that sometimes itch and include dry and \/ or cracked skin<\/li><li>Loss of appetite<\/li><li>Weakness<\/li><li>Red or sore mouth<\/li><li>Increase in liver enzyme&nbsp;alanine aminotransferase&nbsp;in blood tests &#8211; if too high, your doctor may urge you to stop taking IRESSA<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Dry mouth<\/li><li>Dry, red or itchy eyes<\/li><li>Red and sore eyelids<\/li><li>Nail problems<\/li><li>Hair loss<\/li><li>Fever<\/li><li>Bleeding (eg nosebleeds or blood in the urine)<\/li><li>Protein&nbsp;in the urine (as seen in urine samples)<\/li><li>Increase in&nbsp;bilirubin&nbsp;and the liver enzyme&nbsp;aspartate aminotransferase&nbsp;in blood tests &#8211; if too high, your doctor may urge you to stop taking IRESSA<\/li><li>Increased levels of&nbsp;creatinine&nbsp;in blood tests (shows how your kidneys are working)<\/li><li>Cystitis&nbsp;(burning sensation when urinating and frequent, acute urges)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Inflammation&nbsp;of the pancreas.&nbsp;It is characterized by very severe pain in the upper abdomen and severe nausea and vomiting.<\/li><li>Inflammation&nbsp;of the liver.&nbsp;The symptoms may be a general feeling of illness with or without any jaundice (the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow).&nbsp;This&nbsp;side effect&nbsp;is less common, but some patients have died from it.<\/li><li>Holes (&nbsp;perforation&nbsp;are) in the gastrointestinal tract<\/li><li>Skin reaction on the palms and soles of the feet including tingling, numbness, pain, swelling or&nbsp;redness&nbsp;(known as&nbsp;palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia&nbsp;or hand-foot syndrome).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 users<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Inflammation&nbsp;of the blood vessels in the skin.&nbsp;It may look like bruises or blemishes on the skin that do not fade away.<\/li><li>Hemorrhagic&nbsp;cystitis&nbsp;(burning sensation when urinating and frequent, acute urination with blood in the urine)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reporting of side effects<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.&nbsp;This also applies to any side effects not mentioned in this information.&nbsp;You can also report side effects directly to the Medical Products Agency.&nbsp;By reporting side effects, you can help increase drug safety information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How to store IRESSA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton, blister, and foil laminate after EXP.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Store in the original package.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is gefitinib.&nbsp;Each tablet contains 250 mg of gefitinib.<\/li><li>The other ingredients (excipients) are&nbsp;lactose monohydrate&nbsp;, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), croscarmellose sodium, povidone (K29-32) (E1201), sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose (E464), macrogol 300, titanium dioxide (E172) (red) (E171) and iron oxide (E172).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>IRESSA is a round brown tablet marked \u201cIRESSA 250\u201d on one side and smooth on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>IRESSA is supplied in blister packs of 30 tablets.&nbsp;The blister foil may be perforated or unperforated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca AB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SE-151 85 S\u00f6dert\u00e4lje<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweden<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca AB<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G\u00e4rtunav\u00e4gen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SE-151 85 S\u00f6dert\u00e4lje<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sweden<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AstraZeneca UK Limited,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Macclesfield<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cheshire<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SK10 2NA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UK<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contact the representative of the marketing authorization holder to find out more about this medicine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Belgium \/ Belgique \/ Belgien<\/strong>AstraZeneca SA \/ NVTel: +32 2 370 48 11<\/td><td><strong>Lithuania<\/strong>UABAstraZeneca LietuvaTel: +370 5 2660550<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bulgaria<\/strong>Astrology Bulgaria BODYTel: +359 (2) 44 55 000<\/td><td><strong>Luxembourg \/ Luxemburg<\/strong>AstraZeneca SA \/ NVTel: +32 2 370 48 11<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Czech Republic<\/strong>AstraZeneca Czech Republic sroTel: +420 222 807 111<\/td><td><strong>Hungary<\/strong>AstraZeneca Kft.Tel .: + 36 1 883 6500<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Denmark<\/strong>AstraZeneca A \/ STel: +45 43 66 64 62<\/td><td><strong>Malta<\/strong>Associated Drug Co.&nbsp;Ltd.Tel: + 356 2277 8000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Germany<\/strong>AstraZeneca GmbHTel: + 49 41 03 7080<\/td><td><strong>The Netherlands<\/strong>AstraZeneca BVTel: +31 79 363 2222<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eesti<\/strong>AstraZenecaTel: +372 6549 600<\/td><td><strong>Norway<\/strong>AstraZeneca ASTel: + 47 21 00 64 00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Greece<\/strong>AstraZeneca AE:\u0397\u03bb: + 30 2 106871500<\/td><td><strong>Austria<\/strong>AstraZeneca \u00d6sterreich GmbHTel: +43 1 711 31 0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spain<\/strong>AstraZeneca Pharmac\u00e9utica Spain, SATel: + 34 91 301 91 00<\/td><td><strong>Poland<\/strong>AstraZeneca Pharma Poland Sp.&nbsp;z ooTel .: + 48 22 245 73 00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>France<\/strong>AstraZenecaTel: + 33 1 41 29 40 00<\/td><td><strong>Portugal<\/strong>AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Products, Lda.Tel: + 351 21 434 61 00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Croatia<\/strong>AstraZeneca dooTel: +385 1 4628 000<\/td><td><strong>Romania<\/strong>AstraZeneca Pharma SRLTel: + 40 21 317 60 41<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ireland<\/strong>AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) LtdTel: + 353 1609 7100<\/td><td><strong>Slovenia<\/strong>AstraZeneca UK LimitedTel: + 386 1 51 35 600<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Iceland<\/strong>Vistor hf.Phone: + 354 535 7000<\/td><td><strong>Slovak Republic<\/strong>AstraZeneca AB ozTel: + 421 2 5737 7777<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Italy<\/strong>AstraZeneca SpATel: +39 02 9801 1<\/td><td><strong>Finland \/ Finland<\/strong>AstraZeneca OyPuh \/ Tel: +358 10 23 010<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>\u039a\u03cd\u03c0\u03c1\u03bf\u03c2<\/strong>Alexander the Great:\u0397\u03bb: +357 22490305<\/td><td><strong>Sweden<\/strong>AstraZeneca ABTel: +46 8 553 26 000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Latvia<\/strong>PROPHESYAstraZeneca LatvijaTel: + 371 67377100<\/td><td><strong>United Kingdom<\/strong>AstraZeneca UK LtdTel: + 44 1582 836 836<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IRESSA contains the active substance gefitinib which blocks a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This protein is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2200,12116],"tags":[12366,12372,12361,12365,12364,12367,12370,12371,12363,12369,12362,12368],"class_list":["post-14542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medicines","category-i","tag-benefits-of-gefitinib","tag-benefits-of-iressa","tag-gefitinib","tag-gefitinib-side-effects","tag-gefitinib-tablet","tag-iressa","tag-iressa-tablet","tag-side-effects-of-iressa","tag-what-gefitinib-is-used-for","tag-what-iressa-is-used-for","tag-what-is-gefitinib","tag-what-is-iressa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14542","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14542"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14542\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14780,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14542\/revisions\/14780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14542"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14542"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14542"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}