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Introduction About GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE contains Gefitinib which belongs to the group of medicines called Antineoplastics. It is indicated for the first-line management of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have activating mutation of the EGFR-TK.
It is generally characterized by symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, persistent cough, trouble breathing, wheezing, tiredness and difficulty while swallowing which may be diagnosed as any of its type as adenocarcinoma (cancer involving the outer part of the lung), squamous cell carcinoma (cancer occurring in the centre part of the lungs), and large cell carcinoma (cancer that can occur in any part of the lung).
Along with this management, your doctor might ask you to take liver function test to assess your liver function.
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in patients allergic to Gefitinib. Before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you have other lung problems, liver, or kidney problems.
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
The most common side effects of taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE are diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, skin reactions, loss of appetite, weakness, and red or sore mouth. Consult with your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Uses Of GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE
- Used to manage adults with non-small cell lung cancer
How GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE Works
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE works by decreasing the survival rate and proliferation of malignant cancer cells in lung tissues by blocking a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is responsible for the growth and spread of cancer cell thereby managing the growth and spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
How to use GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE
Take GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Side Effects Of GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE
Common
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- nausea
- skin reactions (acne-like rash)
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- red or sore and dry mouth
- dry, red, or itchy eyes
- red and sore eyelids
- nail problems
- hair loss
- fever
- bleeding such as nosebleed or blood in urine
- signs of cystitis such as burning sensations while urinating, urgent need to urinate
Uncommon
- signs of inflamed pancreas such as very severe pain in the upper part of the abdomen, severe nausea and vomiting
- signs of inflammation of the liver such as general feeling of being unwell, with or without possible jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- signs of gastrointestinal perforation such as severe stomach pain, chills, fever
- signs of palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome or hand and foot syndrome such as skin reaction on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet with tingling, numbness, swelling, redness, or pain
Rare
- signs of inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin such as bruising or patches of non-blanching rash on the skin
- signs of haemorrhagic cystitis (inflammatory condition of urinary bladder) such as burning sensation while urinating, urgent need to urinate along with blood in the urine
Stop taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of allergic reaction such as swollen face, lips, tongue or throat, red and itchy skin, nettle rash and difficulty breathing and difficulty in swallowing
- signs of interstitial lung disease (inflammation and scarring of lung disease) such as serious breathlessness, or sudden worsening of breathlessness possibly with a cough or fever
- dehydration due to long term or severe diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, or loss of appetite
- signs of an ulcer on the surface of the eye (cornea) such as pain, redness, watery eyes, light sensitivity, changes in vision or ingrowing eyelashes
How To Manage Side Effects
Nausea or Vomiting:
Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oily, fried, and spicy foods. Do not perform any strenuous activities immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
Constipation:
Eat plenty of fiber rich foods such as vegetables, fresh fruits, and cereals and drink plenty of water while taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.
Diarrhea:
Drink a lot of fluids, such as water, squash, or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own for managing diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may harm the baby. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Breastfeeding
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it is unsafe to the baby. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Driving and Using Machines
If you feel weak while taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE, consult your doctor before driving or using tools or machines.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE since it may increase the risk of liver damage.
Kidney
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients having kidney problems. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Liver
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients having liver problems. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Allergy
Do not take GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE if you are allergic to Gefitinib or to any other ingredients of this medicine.
Lungs
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients having other lung disease. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Others
Use in pediatrics:
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Use in geriatrics:
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above). Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
Interactions
A. Drug - Drug Interactions:
Before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines used in the management of epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
- medicines used in the management of tuberculosis (Ex. rifampicin)
- medicines used in the management of fungal infection (Ex. itraconazole)
- medicines used in the management of sleeping disorders (Ex. barbiturates such as phenobarbital)
- medicines used to manage blood clots (Ex. warfarin)
- medicines used in the management of ulcers, indigestion, heartburn and to reduce acids in the stomach such as proton-pump inhibitors (Ex. lansoprazole, omeprazole, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, cimetidine, famotidine)
- St. John’s wort (herbal remedy used for depression and anxiety)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Gefitinib |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Antineoplastic agents |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Non-small cell lung cancer |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
More Information
- Keep GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE
What is GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE and why is it given?
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE contains Gefitinib which belongs to the group of medicines called as Antineoplastic agents. It is used in adults to manage non-small cell lung cancer in which malignant cells form in the lung tissue.
What are the most common side effects of GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE?
The most common side effects of taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE are diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, skin reactions, loss of appetite, weakness, and red or sore mouth. Consult with your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
Can GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE be used in children?
No. GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). If GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is accidentally ingested by a child or adolescent, go to the hospital immediately and consult the doctor for further management.
Is GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE safe for pregnant and breast-feeding women?
GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women since it might cause harm to the foetus and nursing child. Consult your doctor before taking GEFITEC 250 CAPSULE.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Anticancer Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 870.
2. Gefitinib. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubchem. [Revised in June 2022] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Gefitinib#section=Mechanism-of-Action
3. Yasoo Sugiura, Etsuo Nemoto, Osamu Kawai,Yasuyuki Ohkubo, Hisae Fusegawa, and Shizuka Kaseda. Gefitinib frequently induces liver damage in patients with lung adenocarcinoma previously treated by chemotherapy. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PMC PubMed Central. June 2013. [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5217440/
4. Cipla (EU) Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2022] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10456.pdf
5. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in August 2018] [Accessed on 15th June 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021688s017lbl.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Liver function test
- CT Scan
- PET Scan
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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