💊 Medicine Name:
Gefitinib
💠 Formulation:
Oral tablet
💪 Strength:
250 mg per tablet
📜 Description:
Gefitinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that selectively inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. It is primarily used in targeted therapy for certain types of lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.
⚙️ Mechanism of Action:
Gefitinib blocks the EGFR tyrosine kinase, preventing activation of the signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation and survival. It is especially effective in cancers with EGFR-activating mutations.
💊 Dosage & Administration:
- Recommended dose: 250 mg once daily, with or without food
- Taken orally, with water
- No dose increase recommended even if partial response
- Continue until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
🤒 Common Side Effects:
- Skin rash, acne, dry skin
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue, loss of appetite
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Interstitial lung disease (rare but serious)
- Eye irritation, paronychia (nail infection)
🚨 Interactions:
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin) may reduce efficacy
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase toxicity
- Antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs can reduce gefitinib absorption
- Avoid use with warfarin – may increase bleeding risk
🌟 Advantages:
- Targeted therapy with better outcomes in EGFR-mutated tumors
- Oral administration – convenient for outpatient use
- Fewer systemic toxicities compared to conventional chemotherapy
- Can improve progression-free survival (PFS) and quality of life
🌿 Nature:
- Antineoplastic agent – EGFR-TKI
- Specific to tumors with EGFR mutations
- Requires genetic testing before use
- Non-cytotoxic in patients without EGFR mutation
📦 Packaging:
- Usually available in blister strips or HDPE bottles
- Each tablet contains 250 mg gefitinib, often round or oval in shape
- Often packed in packs of 10 or 30 tablets
🧊 Storage:
- Store below 30°C in a dry place
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Take daily at the same time
- Do not crush or break the tablet
- Report rash, breathlessness, or persistent diarrhea immediately
- Regular monitoring: Liver function, lung symptoms, and skin condition
- Use effective contraception during and after treatment (at least 2 weeks)
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Continue treatment only under specialist supervision