What is Iressa
GefitinibThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGefitinib (also known as Iressa) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by targeting mutated proteins in cancer cells, similar to another drug called erlotinib (marketed as Tarceva). Gefitinib is manufactured by AstraZeneca and is available in many countries.
Iressais the brand name
Iressa Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Iressa
Gefitinib
2015
2
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Gefitinib, otherwise called Iressa, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses which include Treatment Naive and Malignant Neoplasms .Treatment Naive
Malignant Neoplasms
Effectiveness
How Iressa Affects PatientsGefitinib stops certain proteins in cells from becoming activated. It specifically targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) proteins, which are found on the surfaces of many normal and cancerous cells. By blocking these proteins, it helps to inhibit cell growth.
How Iressa works in the bodyGefitinib is a drug that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). This receptor is often found in higher amounts in cancerous cells like those found in lung or breast cancer. By blocking the EGFR, Gefitinib stops the cancer cells from growing and propagating. It is the first drug able to selectively target the EGFR tyrosine kinase and reduce the survival of cancer cells.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Iressa is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder. The quantity of dosage fluctuates, in line with the technique of administration outlined in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Treatment Naive
250.0 mg,
, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral
Malignant Neoplasms
250.0 mg,
, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Iressa.Common Iressa Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Gefitinib.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Gefitinib.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Gefitinib.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Gefitinib.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Gefitinib.
Iressa Toxicity & Overdose RiskGefitinib is generally safe in doses up to 500mg, but can be fatal to rats when taken in extremely high doses. Mice were unaffected by doses that were half as high. Common symptoms of overdose include diarrhea and skin rash.
Iressa Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Iressa?
Nine investigations are presently investigating the potential of Iressa as a Treatment Naive remedy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Treatment Naive
0 Actively Recruiting
Malignant Neoplasms
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Iressa Reviews: What are patients saying about Iressa?
5Patient Review
1/30/2014 I had cancer in the left lung and bronchial area. I underwent a pneumonectomy to remove my left lung in January 2004, and have been taking Iressa every day since. I feel it has kept the cancer at bay.
1.7Patient Review
2/13/2017 I've been taking Iressa for three months to treat non small cell lung cancer that has metastasized to my bones. My latest CT scan showed another lesion in my bone. The drug also caused very dry skin, itching scalp, acne, mouth sores, and cramps in my legs.
Patient Q&A Section about iressa
What is Iressa used to treat?
"This medication is used to treat [lung cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/lung-cancer). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What does gefitinib do to your body?
"Gefitinib is an antineoplastic, meaning it is a cancer medication. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which eventually leads to their destruction. This medicine can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Can Iressa cure lung cancer?
"Iressa may extend life for a period of four to eighteen months in some patients, though it does not cure cancer. Small cell lung cancer is treated differently by Iressa." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Iressa chemotherapy?
"A targeted therapy for lung cancer known as Iressa has been found to be as effective as chemotherapy with far fewer side effects, according to an international Phase III clinical trial." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer