IRESSA Oral

In Depth

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

IRESSA Oral Side Effects

Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, red/sore mouth or throat, 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.

Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and kidney problems. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as:

unusual decreased urination
unusual dry mouth/thirst
fast heartbeat
dizziness/lightheadedness

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

unusual bleeding (coughing up blood, blood in urine)
bloody or black/tarry stool
eye irritation/pain
swelling of the ankles/feet

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

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: