Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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IRESSA Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: GEFITINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (ge-FI-ti-nib)

IRESSA Oral Uses

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).

How To Use IRESSA Oral

Take gefitinib by mouth once daily, with or without food, or as directed.

Medications which reduce or completely block stomach acid (e.g., proton pump inhibitors/PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids) may decrease the absorption of gefitinib. This could decrease the effectiveness of gefitinib. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medications.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may. Grapefruit may increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised June 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.