Iressa

Drugs

Generic Name: Gefitinib
Product Name: Iressa

Indication of Iressa
Action of Iressa
Dose Advice of Iressa
Schedule of Iressa
Common side effects of Iressa
Uncommon side effects of Iressa
Reference

Indication of Iressa:

Gefitinib is used in the treatment of patients with metastatic or advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have previously been treated with chemotherapy.

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Action of Iressa:

Gefitinib inhibits a molecule known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine kinases are a group of enzymes involved in carrying messages. EGFRs are found on tumours that are derived from epithelial cells (cells that line body surfaces and cavities) and receive the message to grow from epithelial growth factors.

Inhibition of EGFR tyrosine kinase means that the message is no longer delivered, and the growth of the tumour is suppressed. Gefitinib also enhances the antineoplastic activity of other chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.

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Dose Advice of Iressa:

1 x 250mg tablet daily.

Tablet may be taken with or without food.

Tablet may be dissolved in water (only) and drunk if preferred.

Patients suffering severe adverse reactions (diarrhoea or skin reactions) should have therapy ceased for 14 days before reinstitution of the 250mg dose.

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Schedule of Iressa:

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Common side effects of Iressa:

Anti-tumour activity with gefitinib is achieved without the accompanying systemic side-effects typically seen with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy - such as neutropenia.

Gefitinib is generally well tolerated, with the most commonly seen adverse events being mild and reversible skin reactions and diarrhoea.

Interstitial Lung Disease (IDL) is a known complication of lung cancer and has observed in about one per cent of patients taking Iressa.

Common side effects are generally mild in nature and rarely require

Diarrhoea.

Rash.

Itching.

Dry skin.

Acne.

Nausea.

Vomiting.

Loss of appetite.

Mouth ulcers.

Nail disorder.

Change in liver enzymes.

Generalised weakness.

Conjunctivitis.

Inflammation of the eyelids.

Blood noses.

Blood in the urine.

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Uncommon side effects of Iressa:

Corneal erosion, sometimes associated with unusual eyelash growth.

Bleeding events in some patients taking warfarin.

Interstitial lung disease, the warning signs of which include: dyspnoea, cough, low grade fever and respiratory distress.

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Reference:

[1] AstraZeneca Pty Ltd (Australia). IRESSA Product Information. North Ryde; 2003.
[2] AstraZeneca Pty Ltd (Australia). IRESSA Consumer Medical Information. North Ryde; 2003.
[3] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd. Iressa [online]. MediMedia Publishing: NSW; 2003.

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