You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gefitinib, or if you are pregnant.
Uses:
Tablet
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, ethosuximide, phenytoin, primidone, Dilantin®, Tegretol®), medicine to treat fungal infections (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Nizoral®, Sporanox®), or medicine for heartburn or nausea (such as cimetidine, ranitidine, Tagamet®, Zantac®).
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or pulmonary fibrosis (scar tissue in your lungs).
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
Your doctor might need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Eye pain or trouble seeing
Severe or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Severe skin rash
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness
Sudden or increased breathing problems, cough, fever
