Iressa 250 mg Tablet

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.

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.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Iressa 250mg Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in patients in which it has spread to other parts of the body, who have abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes, and who have not had previous treatment for cancer.

Iressa 250 mg Tablet can be taken with or without food, but better to have it same time every day for better results.

You should continue to take it as long as your doctor advises for it. The duration of treatment varies according to your need and response to treatment.

You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects.

It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. click here : Iressa 250 

most common side effects

USES OF IRESSA TABLET

• Non-small cell lung cancer

BENEFITS OF IRESSA TABLET

In Non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Iressa 250 mg Tablet helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines.

It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IRESSA TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Iressa

• Diarrhea
• Dry skin
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Rash
• Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

HOW TO USE IRESSA TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it.
Iressa 250mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW IRESSA TABLET WORKS

Iressa 250mg Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer cells.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Iressa 250mg Tablet.

Pregnancy

Iressa 250mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

Iressa 250mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

Iressa 250mg Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Iressa 250mg Tablet may make you feel weak. This may affect your driving ability.

Kidney

Iressa 250mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Iressa 250mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

Iressa 250mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Iressa 250mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE IRESSA TABLET?

If you miss a dose of Iressa 250mg Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.