What class of drugs is gefitinib?
Gefitinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people with certain types of tumors. Gefitinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors.
Does gefitinib cause itching?
Dry skin is very commonly observed in patients receiving treatment with EGFR inhibitors; vaginal dryness and itching, perineal dryness and blepharitis have been reported (15).
How do you know when immunotherapy is working?
To tell if you’re responding to treatment with Opdivo your doctor will order periodic tests, such as CT (computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These tests help work out whether the size of your tumors is changing or new tumors have appeared.
What is the use of gefitinib tablets?
Gefitinib is used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gefitinib blocks a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase).
What is an EGFR inhibitor?
ABSTRACT: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are a class of drugs used to treat several common malignancies, including breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer. Cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported to occur in approximately 90% of patients treated with an EGFR inhibitor.
How to take gefitinib tablets for lung cancer?
Gefitinib tablets Iressa 1 About gefitinib. Gefitinib is a medicine which is given to treat some types of lung cancer. 2 Before taking gefitinib. Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions,… 3 How to take gefitinib tablets. Before you start the treatment,… 4 Getting the most from your treatment. 5 Along…
What kind of therapy is gefitinib used for?
Gefitinib belongs to a group of targeted therapy drugs known as cancer growth inhibitors. Your doctor will talk to you about this treatment and its possible side effects before you agree ( consent) to have treatment. You will be given gefitinib as an outpatient. You have it on its own or in combination with other cancer drugs.
How often should I take gefitinib for NSCLC?
You usually take gefitinib once a day. Take the tablets at about the same time each day. Swallow them whole with a glass of water. You can take them with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, put the tablet in half a glass of water and leave it to dissolve.
Can you use St John’s Wort with gefitinib?
During treatment with gefitinib, you should not use the herbal remedy St John’s wort. This is because it can make gefitinib less effective. Other things to remember about your tablets: