Gefitinib
Gefitinib Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Gefitinib is a brand name. Its generic name is Gefitinib.
Introduction
Gefitinib is a medicine used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer or other cancers that are caused by HER2 mutation. It is an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It works by stopping the spread of cancer cells by blocking the activity of certain proteins that help the cancer cells to grow.Uses For
Gefitinib is used to treat certain types of lung cancer. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.Mechanism Of Action
Gefitinib works by blocking the activity of certain proteins (tyrosine kinases) that help the cancer cells to grow and divide. These proteins are part of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, which is important in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking this pathway, gefitinib can help to slow down or stop the growth and spread of the cancer.How Long Does It Take To Work?
Gefitinib usually starts to work within 2-4 weeks after starting the treatment.Absorption
Gefitinib is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. It has an oral bioavailability of approximately 78%.Route Of Elimination
Gefitinib is eliminated primarily through faecal excretion, with approximately 80% of the dose excreted in the faeces.Dosage
The recommended dose is 250mg (one tablet) once daily, taken with or without food.Administration
Gefitinib should be taken with or without food, as instructed by the doctor. It is recommended to take the medicine at the same time each day.Side Effect
Common side effects of Gefitinib include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, fatigue, rash, and vomiting. Serious side effects may include severe skin reactions, lung inflammation, and liver problem. Patients should seek medical attention if there are signs of any of these side effects.Toxicity
Gefitinib has a low toxicity and is generally well tolerated. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor and to make sure that any possible side effects are reported to the doctor.Precaution
Gefitinib should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment. It should also not be taken during pregnancy or lactation without consulting a doctor. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.Interaction
Gefitinib may interact with other medicines and supplements, and it is important to tell the doctor about all medications taken. Herbal supplements and certain drugs may reduce the effectiveness of Gefitinib or cause other side effects.Disease Interaction
Gefitinib may interact with certain other diseases, including liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Patients should inform the doctor of any existing chronic conditions before taking Gefitinib.Drug Interaction
Gefitinib may interact with other drugs, including warfarin, methotrexate, ciprofloxacin, and anti-epileptic medications. Patients should inform the doctor of any existing drugs before taking Gefitinib.Food Interaction
Gefitinib may interact with certain foods, including grapefruit, ginger, and garlic. Patients should avoid eating these foods while taking Gefitinib.Pregnancy Use
Gefitinib should not be used during pregnancy unless approved by the doctor. It can cause harm to a developing baby.Lactation Use
Gefitinib should not be used while breastfeeding. It can pass into breastmilk and potentially harm a nursing infant.Acute Overdose
In case of an acute overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.Contraindication
Gefitinib is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.Use Direction
Gefitinib should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.Storage Condition
Gefitinib should be stored at a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. It should not be exposed to temperatures higher than 25°C (77°F).Volume Of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Gefitinib is approximately 511 L.Half Life
The half life of Gefitinib is approximately 31 hours.Clearance
The clearance of Gefitinib is 176 mL/min.Here you find in details version of Gefitinib
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gefitinib
What is Gefitinib?
Gefitinib is a type of targeted cancer therapy called an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking signals that tell cells to grow and divide, interfering with the growth of cancer cells.
How is Gefitinib used?
Gefitinib is used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer when the cancer cells contain certain types of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. It may also be used for other types of cancer as determined by your doctor.
When does Gefitinib start to work?
The effects of Gefitinib may vary depending on the individual, but most people begin to see results within 4-6 weeks of starting the medication.
Is Gefitinib safe to use during pregnancy?
No, it is not safe to use Gefitinib during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor. Gefitinib may cause harm to an unborn baby.
What are the side effects of Gefitinib?
Common side effects of Gefitinib include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, back pain, and weakness. Less serious side effects may include skin rash, dry skin, sore throat, fever, cough, or cold-like symptoms.
What should I do if I experience side effects from Gefitinib?
If you experience any side effects while taking Gefitinib, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend reducing your dose or stopping the medication altogether.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Gefitinib?
No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Gefitinib. Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness.
What other drugs should I avoid while taking Gefitinib?
You should avoid taking antifungal medicines, antiviral medicines, antiplatelet medicines, and some antibiotics while taking Gefitinib. Ask your doctor for a list of drugs to avoid with Gefitinib.
How often should I take Gefitinib?
Gefitinib is typically taken once daily. Be sure to use the medication as directed by your doctor, and take it at the same time each day.
Does Gefitinib interact with any food or drinks?
Gefitinib may interact with grapefruit juice. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Gefitinib, as it may increase your risk of side effects.
Can Gefitinib cause liver damage?
Yes, Gefitinib can cause liver damage. Regular liver function tests should be done while taking Gefitinib, as it may increase the risk of liver problems in some patients.
what happens if I miss a dose of Gefitinib?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
How long should I take Gefitinib for?
The length of treatment with Gefitinib will depend on how well it is helping your condition. Your doctor will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
What should I do if I overdose on Gefitinib?
If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency department immediately for advice and treatment. Do not try to manage an overdose on your own.