HealthSquare.com

Your Prescription Drug Destination
See all our sites for your special health needs at www.HealthCentral.com
  • Font size
  • Bookmark

IRESSA Oral

Generic Name: GEFITINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (geh-FIT-ih-nib)

IRESSA Oral Side Effects

Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or unusual weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

  • eye irritation/pain
  • swelling of the ankles/feet


Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:

  • unusual bleeding (coughing up blood, blood in urine)
  • stomach/abdominal pain
  • extreme fatigue
  • dark urine
  • yellowing eyes/skin


Gefitinib may cause rare (possibly fatal) lung disease (interstitial lung disease-ILD). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop trouble breathing, cough or fever.

If you have persistent diarrhea or skin rashes contact your doctor. Your doctor may temporarily stop gefitinib (for up to 14 days) which may help reverse those side effects. Treatment is then resumed with the same dosage.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • severe rash
  • itching
  • swelling
  • dizziness
  • trouble breathing


This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Font size
  • Bookmark
Healthcare 08