GEFITINIB
GEFITINIB
GEFITINIB
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice for the duration of your treatment, as these
may interact with gefitinib.
• Take your tablets at the same time each day in the morning exactly as directed by
your doctor. Make sure you understand the directions.
• Do not crush the tablet. If unable to swallow the tablet whole, it should be dropped
in a 1-2 oz (50 mL) glass of lukewarm water, allowed to dissolve, and swallowed.
Another 50 mL of water should be used to rinse the glass and then it should be
swallowed to ensure that all of the drug has been taken.
• If you vomit the dose of gefitinib within 30 minutes of taking it, you can repeat the
dose and let the doctor know as a medication to prevent nausea will be required.
• If you miss a dose of gefitinib, take it as soon as you can if it is within 12 hours of
the missed dose. If it is over 12 hours since your missed dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your usual dosing times.
• Store tablets out of the reach of children, at room temperature, away from heat, light
and moisture.
• The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or
usefulness of gefitinib.
• Gefitinib may damage sperm and may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. It is
best to use birth control while being treated with gefitinib. Tell your doctor right
• Tell doctors or dentists that you are being treated with gefitinib before you receive
any treatment from them.
Side effects are listed in the following table in the order in which they may occur. Tips to
help manage the side effects are included.