Iressa (Gefitinib)

• How does it work ?
• What does it look like ?
• How is it given?
• Side effects
• Other information

How does it work ?

Iressa is most commonly used in patients who have advanced or metastatic Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Iressa is a type of cancer growth inhibitor and works by preventing the cancer cells from communicating with each other. Cancer cells communicate through a series of chemical reactions and Iressa blocks these reactions.

On the surface of the cancer cells are EGFRs (epidermal growth factor receptors) . Normally the EGFRs allow epidermal growth factor (a protein in the body) to attach to it. When this happens it triggers a chemical process inside the cell, making it grow and multiply.

Iressa works by attaching onto the EGFR on the surface of the cancer cell and therefore blocks the epidermal growth factor from attaching. This stops the chemical process inside the cell from happening and the cancer cell does not grow or multiply.

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What does it look like ?

Iressa is a tablet.

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How is it given?

Iressa is normally taken once daily. It is usually advisable to take the medication at the same time every day, with or without food.

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Side effects

While everybody´s reaction to Iressa is different, below is a list of the most common side effects. If you experience a symptom that you think is related to Iressa but is not on this list, tell your doctor or nurse.

Diarrhoea:

If you have diarrhoea it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor or nurse so that they can monitor you and advise what medications to take.

Nausea (feeling sick):

If you suffer from nausea or vomiting while on Iressa, tell your doctor who can prescribe anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to help you.

Rash:

Some patients develop a rash on their skin. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse if you experience itchy, sore or dry skin.

Bleeding:

Some patients experience bleeding while taking Iressa. If you notice blood in your urine, experience nosebleeds or any other type of bleeding, tell your doctor or nurse.

Loss of appetite:

If you find your appetite is not what it was, tell your doctor or nurse who can refer you on to a dietician.

Eye problems:

Some patients have reported problems with their eyes while on Iressa. If you notice changes in your vision, redness or pain around the eye, tell your doctor or nurse.

Dry mouth:

If you notice your mouth has become dry or sore while on Iressa, tell your doctor or nurse.

Tiredness:

It is common to get very tired while on Iressa, you can discuss this further with your doctor or nurse.

Blood pressure changes:

Iressa can affect your blood pressure so if you already have blood pressure problems you may not be suitable for this treatment. Your blood pressure will be monitored regularly while on Iressa. It is important to report any of the following to your doctor; dizziness, headaches or blurred vision.

Breathing problems:

Sometimes Iressa causes inflammation of the lungs. While this is unusual it is potentially very serious and therefore it is very important you tell your doctor or nurse if you notice that you have become breathless or if your breathing has changed.

Liver damage:

Rarely Iressa causes liver damage. This will be monitored by your doctor or nurse with regular blood tests.

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Other information:

• It is important that you take your Iressa as directed by your doctor;
• It is important that you keep your tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• It is important that you tell your doctor what medications you are on, whether prescription or non prescription. Some medications may be harmful when taken with Iressa. For example warfarin therapy.
• If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is more than twelve hours before your next tablet. If however it is less than twelve hours before your next dose, do not take the tablet you missed.
• If you take more than one tablet at once tell you doctor immediately.
• If you are sick after taking your tablet, let your doctor know , you may need to take another one.
• It is not known what effect Iressa has on the developing foetus, therefore it is not advisable that you or your partner become pregnant while either one of you is taking Iressa. It is recommended that a barrier form of contraception like a condom be used during this time. Your doctor will discuss this with you further. If you or your partner are already pregnant before either of you commence Iressa, tell your doctor.
• Grapefruit juice has been found to interact with Iressa, it is advisable not to drink it while on Iressa.
• Herbal remedies such as St.John´s wort have also been found to interact with Iressa. It is advisable not to take herbal remedies while on Iressa.
• Due to the potential side effects of Iressa, tell your doctor if you have a history of blood pressure or liver problems.
• If your Iressa treatment is stopped and you have tablets left over, give any remaining tablets to your pharmacist. Do not throw them away.

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