Gefitinib

Information About Gefitinib

Uses of Gefitinib

Gefitinib is commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer

How Gefitinib Works

Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which works by preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residue associated with the EGFR receptor.

Side Effects of Gefitinib

Itchiness, Skin rashes, Nose bleed, Blood in urine, Dry mouth, Nausea, Vomiting, Eye pain, Fever, Diarrhea,

Authorship

Written By

Dr Mohd Ramzdhan Bin Mohd Masdar

MD (Crimea State Medical University)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Gefitinib Related Warnings

Alcohol Safe

There is no clear contraindication on the consumption of alcohol when taking Gefitinib..

Pregnancy Not Safe

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity when using Gefitinib but there are limited human data available to conclude the safety profile during pregnancy. It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy due to its potential harm on the fetal development.

Lactation Not Advisable

Gefitinib is excreted into rats breastmilk but no human data available to confim this. It is therefore not advisable for women undergoing treatment with Gefitinib to breastfeed due to its potential toxicity.

Driving Generally Safe

It is generally safe to drive when taking Gefitinib but caution should still be taken if some adverse effects of Gefitinib affects the ability and concentration to drive.

Kidney Use With Care

There is no dosage adjustment recommended for those with renal impairment with renal clearance more than 20ml/min. Caution and dosage adjustment is advisable for those with renal clearance less than 20ml/min.

Liver Use With Care

Dosage adjustment is recommended for people with mild to moderate liver impairment with close monitoring and is contraindicated if the liver functions severely deteriorated.