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Gefitinib

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Iressa® Cancer-related

Gefitinib - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Gefitinib cause?

  • Nausea can occur initially
    If nausea occurs, take Gefitinib right after a meal.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Acne-like rash 
    May gradually develop but can sometimes improve and decrease in severity with time. 
  • Dryness of eyes
  • Tiredness and lack of energy may occur

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Allergic reactions – rashes, swelling, breathing difficulty
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Breathlessness, cough and fever
  • Changes in vision, eye pain or irritation
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark tea-colored urine
  • Severe abdominal pain

Before taking Gefitinib , what precautions must I follow?

  • ​Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication or supplements e.g. antacids or gastric acid-lowering agents.
  • Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after stopping Gefitinib.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Gefitinib ?

Grapefruit and its juice

Gefitinib - Additional Information

  • Updated on 2/22/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Department of Pharmacy National Cancer Centre Singapore
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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