Gefitinib 250mg

Indications for use

Gefitinib 250 mg is intended for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, resistant to the chemotherapy and. The drug contains platinum derivatives.

Absolute contraindications:

underage patients; pregnancy and lactation; increased sensitivity to the drug components.
Relative contraindications:
elevated transaminases and high bilirubin level; pneumoconiosis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; radiation pneumonitis; interstitial pneumonia; drug-induced lung disease; glucose-galactose malabsorption, lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance.

Way of use and dosage.

Gefitinib 250 mg should be taken orally once a day irrespective of the mealtime. Standard dose is 250 mg (regardless of the patient’s age, weight, gender and ethnicity, liver/kidney function- even in case of severe liver failure caused by metastatic liver damage). If you skipped the dose, take it as soon as possible (provided that you have at least 12 hours before the next dose). Otherwise, you shouldn’t double the dose.

Worldwide, pulmonary cancer remains the most common reason for cancer death, and at the time of diagnosis the most of patients will develop advanced or inoperable disorder. In addition to the symptom relief, platinum-based treatment, when given to people suffering from advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, provides a significant advantage of life expectancy. Combinations of modern active substances with platinum have been related to the further improvement in survival rates. Nevertheless, there are a few indications that a therapeutic plateau has been achieved with the modern chemotherapy options, and new effective treatment approaches are urgently required.

Gefitinib is a targeted drug that affects and binds to the epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). EGFR is located on the surface of most healthy and tumor cells. By binding to these substances, Genefitinib prevents an important factor that contributes to cell replication.

Study goes on to define which tumors can be cured with targeted therapies and to determine extra targets for other kinds of cancer.
Gefitinib has rarely triggered severe (possibly lethal) liver dysfunction. Seek medical assistance immediately if you notice the signs of liver disorders, stomachache, weakness, change in the color of urine and jaundice. Moreover, this drug has rarely led to very serious (sometimes fatal) gastrointestinal perforation.