What is Iressa? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Iressa

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• If you cannot swallow the tablet, put it in 4 to 8 ounces of water and stir the mixture for 15 minutes to dissolve the tablet. Drink the liquid right away. Add another 4 to 8 ounces of water to the same container, and drink it right away.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose at the usual time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Iressa

Iressa contraindications - Who shouldn't take Iressa?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to gefitinib or if you are pregnant.

Iressa warnings

• Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 14 days after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of other lung disease.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Interstitial lung disease, which can cause breathing problemsLiver problemsGastrointestinal perforation (hole in your stomach or bowel)Eye problemsSerious skin reactions

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Iressa interactions & what to avoid when taking Iressa

• Some medicines can affect how gefitinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampicinBlood thinner (including warfarin)Medicine to treat depressionStomach medicine (including antacids, cimetidine, esomeprazole, famotidine, omeprazole)

• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, stomach or bowel problems, or a history of other lung disease.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Interstitial lung disease, which can cause breathing problemsLiver problemsGastrointestinal perforation (hole in your stomach or bowel)Eye problemsSerious skin reactions

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.