Gefitinib
About
Gefitinib belongs to the group of medicine called ‘anti-cancer’, primarily indicated in lung cancer treatment. Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out normal lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. In this disease, cells of the lung grow uncontrollably, and if not detected at an early stage may spread to other body parts, including the brain.
Gefitinib contains 'Gefitinib' which belongs to the group of medicines known as 'kinase inhibitors'. It works by stopping the action of an abnormal protein that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. In this way, it stops the spread of cancerous cells.
Take Gefitinib as prescribed by your doctor. You are suggested to take Gefitinib as long as your doctor has prescribed it after checking your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as itching or skin rash, acne, nail problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Gefitinib for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take Gefitinib if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as Gefitinib causes serious birth defects. Gefitinib should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Elderly people are more sensitive to medicine so they may adjust the dosage according to their condition. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Gefitinib as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Uses of Gefitinib
Medicinal Benefits
Gefitinib is indicated to the patients dealing with non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer of this type tends to spread quickly in other parts of the body. Gefitinib travels through the bloodstream and effectively destroys cancerous cells of the lung and other parts of the body. Gefitinib is a ' tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)', that stops the uncontrolled growth and spread of cancerous cells. It acts by stopping the abnormal protein action that is responsible for the multiplication of cancerous cells. Whenever a new healthy cell is formed, it undergoes a usual process of maturity. Cancerous cells form new cells more quickly, so Gefitinib targets cancerous cells and blocks the action of Tyrosine kinase enzymes (responsible for causing cancer). It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, Gefitinib stops the production, spread and growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Gefitinib
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Itching or skin rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, vision problems, breathing problems or taking any blood thinner like warfarin. Before undergoing any surgery, it is advised to tell the medical professional who performs the procedure about all the medicines you are taking. Some persons may experience diarrhoea as a side effect of Gefitinib, so it is advised to drink a lot of water and tell your doctor in such a case. Inform your doctor if you notice any severe side effects of Gefitinib, including shortness of breath, worsening cough, and other vision problems. You need to go to regular blood tests to check if this medicine is working fine for you. Avoid high-fibre foods, raw fruits, cereals, vegetables, and drink lots of water as Gefitinib may cause diarrhoea.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Gefitinib may have interaction with other anti-cancer medicine (Sorafenib and Paclitaxel), antibiotics (Neomycin), anti-seizure medicine (carbamazepine, phenytoin), NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), blood thinners (warfarin) and an antacid (Omeprazole).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid high-fiber foods, raw fruits, cereals, and vegetables, and drink lots of water as Gefitinib may cause diarrhoea.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, vision problems, breathing problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption with Gefitinib as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty in concentrating.
Pregnancy
unsafeGefitinib is restricted to use in pregnancy. A woman needs to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or at least 6 months after taking the last dose of Gefitinib.
Breast Feeding
unsafeGefitinib should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Gefitinib may affect your driving ability or not. Drive only if you are physically stable and mentally focussed. If you experience drowsiness after taking this medication, you should not drive or operate any machinery or vehicles.
Liver
cautionGefitinib should be taken with caution in patients dealing with liver disease. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.
Kidney
cautionGefitinib is safe to take by patients dealing with kidney disease as prescribed by their doctor. The doctor may adjust the dose according to the medical condition of the patient.
Children
unsafeGefitinib is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles reduce fatigue, helps in weight loss, and give strength. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga and other relaxation techniques may also improve physical and mental health and may reduce your stress levels.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep as resting helps in improving your health, mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listen to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- It is suggested to avoid taking an antacid or stomach acid-reducing medicine within 6 hours after taking Gefitinib as it may make the medicine less effective if taken simultaneously.
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function test to monitor the function of the liver due to the use of Gefitinib.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Lung cancer: It happens when cells in the lung begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Persons who smoke are at high risk of lung cancer. A common symptom of NSCLC is a cough that does not go easily followed by shortness of breath. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow.
FAQs
It usually takes three to six months for most types of lung cancer to double their size. It took many years for lung cancer to reach a size that could be diagnosed in X-Ray.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer followed by coughing.
Gefitinib may affect the ability of women to have a child. Thus it is advised to tell your doctor if you have such a plan.
It is suggested to avoid taking an antacid or stomach acid-reducing medicine within 6 hours after taking Gefitinib as it may make the medicine less effective if taken simultaneously.
Gefitinib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Gefitinib only after asking with a doctor as they may adjust the dosing according to the patient's condition.
Gefitinib is restricted to use in pregnancy. A woman needs to have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. It is better to use effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine or at least 6 months after taking the last dose of Gefitinib.
Gefitinib should be stopped in cases where a person faces a serious side effect that affects life quality. Otherwise, it would be best if you kept taking Gefitinib until your doctor asks you to stop it.
