Generic Name: gefitinib
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: AstraZeneca
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Iressa is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for people with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with certain EGFR mutations who are being treated for the first time.
General Info
Iressa interferes with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that plays a role in cancer cell growth and development of blood vessels that feed tumors. Certain EGFR mutations promote lung tumor growth and metastasis.
Clinical trials showed that Iressa shrank tumors in around 50% to 70% of patients with specific EGFR deletion or substitution mutations. In one study it delayed disease progression longer than platinum-based chemotherapy. Iressa was first approved in 2015.
Dosage
Dosing Info:
Iressa is a once-daily pill that can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
Common side effects include diarrhea, rash and other skin reactions. Potential serious side effects may include lung and liver problems, gastrointestinal perforation, severe diarrhea and severe skin reactions. Iressa can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.azpicentral.com/iressa/iressa.pdf
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.myaccess360.com/iressa-gefitinib.html
Last Reviewed: October 23, 2019
