Iressa 250mg Tablet 30’S

INTRODUCTION:

IRESSA 250MG contains gefitinib which belongs to a class of medicines called kinase inhibitors. It blocks a protein called Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This protein is involved in growth and spread of the cancer cells. It is used to treat with non-small cell lung cancer. This cancer is a disease in which the malignant (cancer) cells form in tissues of the lung.

Gefitinib acts by inhibiting Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signal transduction pathways. EGFR is found on the surface of many cancer as well as normal cells which receives signal from other cells and transmits it into the cell by causing a chemical reaction that modifies other proteins. By blocking these signals, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of the cells.

The recommended dose is 250 mg per day or as directed by physician. You can take with or without food. Do not take antacids for 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking IRESSA 250MG. It is not indicated in the children and adolescents under 18 years. Tell your doctor if you are taking, have taken or might take any other medicines. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or breast-feeding. If you feel weak while taking this medicine, take care when driving or using tools or machines. The common side effects are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, red or sore mouth and dry mouth.

USES OF IRESSA 250MG:

Treat adults with the non-small cell lung cancer

HOW IRESSA 250MG WORKS:

IRESSA 250MG acts by inhibiting ?epidermal growth factor receptor? (EGFR) signal transduction pathways. EGFR is found on the surface of many cancer as well as normal cells which receives signal from other cells and transmits it into the cell by causing a chemical reaction that modifies other proteins. By blocking these signals, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of the cells.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

The recommended dose is 250 mg per day or as directed by physician. You can take with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IRESSA 250MG:

SERIOUS

• Allergic reaction, if symptoms include swollen face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty to swallow, hives, nettle rash and difficulty breathing
• Serious breathlessness or sudden worsening breathlessness with a cough or fever
• Severe skin reactions affecting large areas of your body which may include redness, pain, ulcers, blisters, and shedding of the skin
• Eye problems such as pain, redness, watery eyes, light sensitivity, changes in vision or in growing eyelashes

COMMON

• Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea
• Skin reactions including acne-like rash, which is sometimes itchy with dry and/or cracked skin
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness, red or sore mouth
• Dry mouth
• Dry, red or itchy eyes
• Red and sore eyelids
• Nail problems
• Hair loss
• Fever
• Bleeding (such as nosebleed or blood in your urine)
• Protein in urine (shown in a urine test)

RARE

• Inflammation of blood vessels in the skin
• Burning sensations during urination and urgency to urinate with blood in the urine

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS:

Skin Itching:

Avoid bath in hot water because hot water can irritate the skin. Moisturizers can be used regular basis to soothe and hydrate the affected area.

Nausea and vomiting:

Keep try taking this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.

Headache:

Apply hot or cold-water bag on your head. Take rest in a quiet and dark room. Drink tea or coffee.

Diarrhea:

Drink lot of fluid, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any other medicine without consulting your doctor.

WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS:

PREGNANCY

IRESSA 250MG is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

BREASTFEEDING

IRESSA 250MG is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking this medicine, it may make you feel dizzy.

ALCOHOL

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this medicine.

LIVER

IRESSA 250MG should be taken with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY

Do not take if you are allergic to the medicine.

LUNGS

IRESSA 250MG should be taken with caution in patients with other severe lung disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

INTERACTIONS:

Talk to your doctor if you are taking:

Phenytoin or carbamazepine (for epilepsy)
Rifampicin (for tuberculosis)
Itraconazole (for fungal infections)
Barbiturates (medicine used for sleeping problems)
Herbal remedies containing St John?s wort (Hypericum perforatum, used for the depression and anxiety)
Proton-pump inhibitors, H2-antagonists and antacids

SYNOPSIS:

Drug : Gefitinib
Pharmacological Category : Epidermal growth factor receptor? (EGFR)
Therapeutic Indication : Non-small cell lung cancer
Dosage Forms : Tablet

MORE INFORMATION:

Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.

FAQ’s ABOUT IRESSA 250MG:

Q: How do I take IRESSA 250MG?
A: Take this medicine with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

Q: How IRESSA 250MG works?
A: It works by inhibiting the ?epidermal growth factor receptor? (EGFR) signal transduction pathways. EGFR is found on the surface of many cancer as well as normal cells which receives signal from other cells and transmits it into the cell by causing a chemical reaction that modifies other proteins. By blocking these signals, it inhibits the growth and multiplication of the cells.

Q: Is IRESSA 250MG cytotoxic?
A: No, it is not a cytotoxic agent.