Often used for:
N/A
What is gefitinib?
Gefitinib is used to treat certain types of cancer. Gefitinib is taken by mouth. It is available as a 250-mg tablet.
Possible side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Acne
- Eye irritation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Dry skin, itching
- Abnormal liver tests (rare)
- Lung damage (rare)
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take gefitinib will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Because gefitinib may cause birth defects, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Both men and women who are taking gefitinib should use effective birth control methods.
- It is not known whether gefitinib passes into breast milk. Because this medicine might cause serious harm to a nursing infant, women who are taking gefitinib should not breast-feed.
- Gefitinib tablets should be stored at room temperature.
- Keep this medicine out of reach of children and pets.
- If you miss a dose, follow these guidelines: Take the missed dose right away as long as the next dose is more than 12 hours away. Do not take the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. Never take a double dose or extra doses.
- Safe handling of gefitinib: All chemotherapy drugs taken by mouth can pose a health hazard to caregivers and patients. You should be careful when handling this medicine and try to keep the drug from touching the skin. Taking precautions will ensure that both the patient and the caregiver are protected as well as possible.
- Prepare a clean area where the drug can be handled safely (away from areas where food is prepared, out of the reach of children, and out from under any air vents or fans).
- We suggest you or the caregiver wear gloves while handling this medicine. Wash your hands right away if your skin comes in contact with the medicine.
- Completely clean up any spills in the area where the medicine is prepared.
