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What is Iressa
 Iressa
is a cancer chemotherapy medication. Iressa interferes with
the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread
in the body.
Iressa
is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Iressa
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Iressa
Iressa should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Serious side effects
have been reported with the use of Iressa including: allergic
reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); lung problems;
liver problems; eye problems; severe nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, or diarrhea; and others. Talk to your doctor
about the possible side effects from treatment with Iressa.
What you should find out before taking
Iressa
Do not use Iressa without first talking to your doctor
if you have
- liver disease; or
- lung or
breathing problems (other than lung cancer).
You
may not be able to take Iressa, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
Iressa is in the FDA pregnancy
category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to
an unborn baby. Do not use Iressa without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment. Birth control should be used during treatment
with Iressa.
It is not known whether Iressa passes
into breast milk. Do not take Iressa without first talking
to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Iressa Iressa should only be administered under the supervision
of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
Take each dose
of Iressa with a full glass of water.
Iressa can
be taken with or without food.
Your doctor will determine
the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Iressa
depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other
factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or
concerns regarding the treatment schedule.
It is
important to take Iressa regularly to get the most benefit.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests and
other medical evaluations during treatment with Iressa to
monitor progress and side effects.
Your healthcare
provider will store Iressa as directed by the manufacturer.
If you are storing Iressa at home, follow the directions
provided by your healthcare provider.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Iressa.
What happens if you overdose: If an overdose of Iressa is suspected, seek emergency
medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Symptoms of a Iressa overdose tend to be similar
to side effects caused by the medication, although often
more severe.
What should you avoid while using Iressa There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Iressa unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Possible side effects of Iressa If you experience any of the following serious side
effects from Iressa, contact your doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing
of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or
hives);
- lung problems (difficulty breathing, shortness
of breath, increased coughing, fever, or chest pain);
-
severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
or diarrhea; or
- eye pain or irritation.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue taking Iressa and talk to your doctor if you experience:
- mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
or diarrhea;
- skin rash, dryness, itching, or acne;
or
- weakness.
Other side effects have also
been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect
that occurs during treatment with Iressa.
What other drugs will affect Iressa Before taking Iressa, tell your doctor if you are
taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- rifampin (Rifadin,
Rimactane);
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek);
-
ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- itraconazole (Sporanox);
or
- a stomach acid reducer such as cimetidine (Tagamet,
Tagamet HB), ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75), esomeprazole
(Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec),
and others.
You may not be able to take Iressa, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring
if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Many
other drugs may interact with Iressa. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. |
