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GEFITINIB

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For the Patient: Gefitinib

Other names: IRESSA®, ZD 1839

• Gefitinib (ge-FI-tye-nib) is a drug that is used to treat a type of lung cancer. It is a


tablet that you take by mouth.

• It is important to take gefitinib exactly as directed by your doctor. Gefitinib can be


taken with food or on an empty stomach with a glass of water.

• 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.

• Other drugs such as itraconazole (SPORANOX®), rifampin, warfarin


(COUMADIN®), and some stomach medicines such as ranitidine (ZANTAC®) may
interact with gefitinib. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these drugs as you
may need extra blood tests or your dose may need to be changed. Check with your
doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new drugs.

• 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

BC Cancer Agency Cancer Drug Manual© Page 1 of 3 Gefitinib


Developed: August, 2002
Revised: February 2006
away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Do not breast feed during treatment.

• 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.

SIDE EFFECTS MANAGEMENT


Skin reactions such as rash, dryness, or • Moisturizing creams can help prevent
itchiness may be common. or reduce skin dryness.
• If skin reactions persist or get worse,
contact the doctor.
Diarrhea may occur. To help with diarrhea:
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Eat and drink often in small amounts.
• Avoid high fibre foods as outlined in
Coping with Diarrhea.
• A prescription for Loperamide
(IMODIUM®) is sometimes required to
treat diarrhea.
Nausea and vomiting may occur. You may be given a prescription for
antinausea drug(s) to take at home. It is
easier to prevent nausea than treat it once
it has occurred, so follow directions
closely.
• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Eat and drink often in small amounts.
• Try the ideas in Food Choices to
Control Nausea.
Tiredness and lack of energy may occur. • Do not drive a car or operate machinery
if you are feeling tired.
• Try the ideas in Your bank of energy
savings: How people with cancer can
handle fatigue.
Decreased appetite sometimes occurs. • Try to eat regular meals and consult a
nutritionist if your weight is starting to
decrease.

SEE YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (DURING OFFICE HOURS) IF YOU


HAVE:
• Signs of lung problems that are new or suddenly getting worse, such as dry cough
or shortness of breath.
• Signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin, white or clay-coloured stools.
• Eye irritation or changes in eyesight .
BC Cancer Agency Cancer Drug Manual© Page 2 of 3 Gefitinib
Developed: August, 2002
Revised: February 2006
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONTINUE OR
BOTHER YOU:
• Uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Redness, swelling, pain or sores on your lips, tongue, mouth or throat.
• Skin rash or itchiness that is bothersome.

REPORT ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS TO YOUR DOCTOR

BC Cancer Agency Cancer Drug Manual© Page 3 of 3 Gefitinib


Developed: August, 2002
Revised: February 2006

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