Cancer treatment can be a complicated, perhaps even scary topic for many people. It's common to have a lot of questions, especially when your doctor prescribes a drug like 'Gefitinib' for you or a loved one. So today, let's talk about this drug called Gefitinib, how it works, and the things to be careful about when using it, in a very simple way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Gefitinib?
Simply put, Gefitinib is a drug that falls into the category of targeted therapy. This means that this drug directly targets specific proteins in cancer cells and stops them from growing. This is not a drug that is given for all cancers.
This medication is often used to treat advanced cases of a condition called non-small cell lung cancer . You may know this medication by the brand name `Iressa`. Doctors may also prescribe this medication for other conditions. So be sure to ask your doctor about your specific condition.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting treatment with Gefitinib, it is very important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Especially if you have any of the following conditions:
- Eye diseases or vision problems: If you have any eye disease or vision impairment.
- Liver disease: Any type of liver disease.
- Lung or respiratory diseases: Conditions like asthma.
- Lung Fibrosis or Lung Thickening: If you have previously been diagnosed with scarring or thickening of the lungs.
- Radiation Therapy: If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation therapy.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Gefitinib or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child.
Based on this information, your doctor will decide whether this medicine is right for you and how to give it.
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly on how to use this medicine.
- Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
- You can take this with or without food.
- Try to take your medicine at about the same time every day. This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your blood at the same level.
- Never take more than the prescribed dose or stop taking the medication without medical advice.
- If you have difficulty swallowing pills, talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to advise you on alternative methods.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Also, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Gefitinib is a medication that can interact with some other medications, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins).
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
| Thioridazine | A medicine for mental illness. |
| Other medications that may interact (inform the doctor) | |
| Antacids and stomach acid reducers | (eg Cimetidine, Famotidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole) |
| Antiretroviral drugs for HIV or AIDS | |
| Some medications for fungal infections | (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole) |
| Some medications for seizures | (e.g. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin) |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | (Ex: Warfarin) |
| Rifampin | An antibiotic given for tuberculosis. |
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Some side effects may occur when taking gefitinib. Some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Breathing difficulties | Difficulty breathing, new cough, or fever. This may be a sign of lung disease. |
| Eye problems | Vision changes, eye pain. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), red spots on the skin. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual fatigue. |
| Severe stomach pain | Sudden severe stomach pain. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Diarrhea | Be careful as severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can cause dehydration. |
| Acne | Acne-like blisters on the skin. |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | |
| Dry skin | |
Special attention during pregnancy and breastfeeding
This is very important: Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Women should have a pregnancy test to make sure they are not pregnant before starting treatment. Also, avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Gefitinib is a medicine that should be taken only under the advice of a doctor, at the prescribed dosage. Never change or stop the dosage on your own.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, eye pain, or signs of liver damage.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after stopping.
- Store this medicine at room temperature (between 20-25 Celsius), out of the reach of children.
- Never share your medicine with others. It may be harmful to them.
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