Gefitinib
Information about Gefitinib
Gefitinib Uses
Gefitinib is used in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer (chronic myeloid leukaemia), gastrointestinal stromal tumour, cancer of colon and rectum, non-small cell lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis and breast cancer. It is used in patients in which it has spread to other parts of the body, who have abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes, and who have not had previous treatment for cancer.
How Gefitinib works
Gefitinib is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.
Common side effects of Gefitinib
Diarrhea, Nausea, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Vomiting, Weakness, Decreased appetite, Fever, Hair loss, Conjunctivitis, Eyelid inflammation, Hemorrhage, Interstitial lung disease, Dryness in mouth, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Urticaria
Available Medicine for Gefitinib
GeftinatNatco Pharma Ltd
₹1966 to ₹59003 variant(s)
GefiteroHetero Drugs Ltd
₹26551 variant(s)
GeftibGlenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹1436 to ₹51612 variant(s)
GefticipCipla Ltd
₹2009 to ₹54914 variant(s)
KabigefFresenius Kabi India Pvt Ltd
₹21391 variant(s)
GeftistarLupin Ltd
₹15361 variant(s)
ChemogefNeon Laboratories Ltd
₹11761 variant(s)
Expert advice for Gefitinib
- Gefitinib helps treat non-small cell lung cancer that is locally advanced, or has spread to other areas of the body.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Do not take antacids (to reduce the acid level of your stomach) 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking this medicine.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Inform your doctor if you develop ulceration in your mouth, changes in your vision or if you experience a worsening cough, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties while taking this medicine.
- Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are having treatment with this medicine.
- Gefitinib is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.