Iressa Information and Uses

Iressa

Iressa Overview Follow Medication

Iressa (generic: gefitinib) is a prescription medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Iressa belongs to a group of drugs called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Iressa is thought to work by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells grow and multiply.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day, with or without food.

Some of the common side effects of Iressa include diarrhea, rash, acne, dry skin, and nausea.

Uses of Iressa

Iressa is a prescription medication used to treat a certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC) that has not responded to chemotherapy.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Iressa

The most common side effects of Iressa therapy include:

diarrhea
rash
acne
dry skin
nausea
vomiting

About 1% of people taking Iressa develop a potentially serious lung condition called interstitial lung disease that causes inflammation within the lung. Therefore, patients taking Iressa who develop new or worsening cough, fever, or difficulty in breathing should contact their doctor immediately.

Also eye pain, redness, and irritation have occurred in people taking Iressa.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Iressa Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin). Iressa may increase the blood-thinning effects ofwarfarin (Coumadin) and increase the risk of bleeding.
rifampin or phenytoin (Dilantin). You may need a higher dose of Iressa to maintain the effectiveness of Iressa.
antifungals such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and voriconazole (Vfend). You may need a lower dose of Iressa to prevent side effects caused by increased levels of Iressa.
ranitidine or cimetidine. These medicines increase gastric pH causing a reduced plasma concentration of Iressa. This may make Iressa less effective.
vinorelbine. Iressa, when taken along with vinorelbine, may increase the possibility you will get a condition called neutropenia. This is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, white blood cells that help your immune system fight off infections.

Many other medications may interact with Iressa, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

Iressa Precautions

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Iressa or any other medications.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should use birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with Iressa and for some time after you stop using the medication. If you become pregnant while takingIressa, call your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking Iressa.

Iressa Food Interactions

If you regularly eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, discuss this with your doctor, as it may interfere with Iressa.

Inform MD

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Iressa or any other medicines.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lungs), or liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking Iressa.

Iressa and Pregnancy

Iressa and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking Iressa.

Iressa Usage

Iressa is a tablet to be taken by mouth, with our without food, usually once a day. Take Iressa at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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.

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.

If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, you may dissolve Iressa tablets in water. No other liquids should be used. Drop the tablet in the water, without crushing it, stir until the tablet is dispersed (approximately 10 minutes) and drink the liquid immediately. Rinse the glass with half a glass of water and drink. The liquid can also be administered through anaso-gastric tube.

Iressa is not available in pharmacies. You can only get Iressa through a distribution program that has been set up by the manufacturer for people who have taken Iressa in the past. You will need to sign a consent form before you receive any medication. You will receive your medication by mail from a specific mail order pharmacy. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about receiving your medication.

Iressa Dosage

Take Iressa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions carefully. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

The recommended daily dose of Iressa is one 250 mg tablet with or without food.

Iressa Overdose

If you take too much Iressa contact your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.

Forms of Iressa

Iressa is available in 250 mg tablets.

Active ingredient: Gefitinib

Inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, cellulose, microcrystalline, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, hypromelloses, polyetylene glycol 300, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide red, ferric oxide yellow.