Gefitinib is used to treat a certain type of lung cancer.
Take Gefitinib exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, you may dissolve the whole tablet in half a glass of water. Do not use carbonated water or any other type of liquid. Put the tablet in the plain water and stir for about 10-20 minutes until the tablet has dissolved. Do not crush the tablet. Once the tablet has dissolved, drink the solution immediately. To make sure that no medicine is left behind in the glass, rinse the glass very well with half a glass of water and drink.
Gefitinib must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is 12 hours or more before the next dose is due, take the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is less than 12 hours before the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, inform your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Gefitinib.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- conditions that may increase the risk of developing stomach problems e.g. history of stomach ulcers, smoking
- lung problems
- kidney disease
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Gefitinib therapy and for at least 2 weeks after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may have higher exposure to this medicine and may experience enhanced side effects (e.g. severe liver disease). If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Hepatitis B screening must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with Gefitinib. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of liver disease, severe skin reactions, and eye problems may also be needed.
Gefitinib may cause unusual weakness. If affected do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, mouth sores or irritation, nosebleeds, hair loss, pimple-like rash, dry skin, nail disorders, and generalised weakness or lack of energy.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- shortness of breath or other breathing problems, fever or cough
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- severe or persistent diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, severe stomach pain
- eye redness, pain or irritation, dry and itchy eyes, growth of eyelashes, watery eyes, problems with vision, change in eyesight, light sensitivity
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- medicines that neutralise stomach acids
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- metoprolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- vinorelbine (medicine for certain types of cancer)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Gefitinib.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Gefitinib is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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