Gefitinib (Iressa) is a targeted oral therapy used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with specific EGFR mutations, offering improved outcomes through personalized cancer treatment.
Gefitinib, sold under the brand name Iressa and other trade names. Gefitinib helps block the signals that tell cancer cells to grow.
If you’re searching for Gefitinib, affordable Gefitinib, or where to buy Gefitinib online, you’ve come to the right place. At Unit Pharmacy, we provide access to Gefitinib (Iressa) and its generic alternatives at competitive rates.
Gefitinib was developed by AstraZeneca and approved in the early 2000s for specific lung cancers. Over the years, various pharmaceutical companies have created generic Gefitinib, making it more accessible and affordable for patients around the world. It gained popularity especially in Middle East and other Europe regions with a high prevalence of EGFR-mutant lung cancers.
Gefitinib is prescribed to treat people with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. This type of lung cancer is more common in non-smokers, women, and European patients.
Doctors prescribe Gefitinib oral tablets for first-line treatment in patients whose cancers test positive for EGFR mutations. It’s also used in some cases where previous treatments have failed. If you’re wondering whether Gefitinib indications fit your case, consult your oncologist for detailed testing.
The Gefitinib mechanism of action involves blocking EGFR, a protein on the surface of cancer cells that promotes their growth. When EGFR is mutated, it can cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. Gefitinib binds to EGFR and stops it from sending those growth signals.
This mechanism helps to shrink tumors and slow disease progression. Many patients experience significant symptom relief with this medication, especially when taken early.
Gefitinib is taken once daily, usually as a Gefitinib 250 mg oral tablet. You can take it with or without food. It’s crucial to take it at the same time every day for the best results. Swallow the tablet whole with water and do not crush or grind it.
Patients often ask how to take Gefitinib correctly. The answer is: one tablet per day, consistently and under medical supervision. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
While Gefitinib is mainly used for NSCLC, research suggests it may have other potential benefits:
Ectopic Pregnancy: Shown to enhance methotrexate effectiveness in early trials.
Osteoarthritis: Reported to improve joint pain by blocking inflammatory signals.
Psoriasis: Some patients experienced complete skin clearance while on Gefitinib.
Type 2 Diabetes: Noted to improve blood sugar control in certain cases.
These uses are still under research and not FDA-approved—always consult a doctor before considering them.
When taking Gefitinib (Iressa), it’s important to adhere to the following precautions to ensure safety and effectiveness:
Disclose Medical History: Inform your doctor if you have lung disease, liver problems, or eye disorders, as Gefitinib can worsen these conditions.
Avoid Drug Interactions: Do not take antacids or acid-reducing medications within 6–12 hours of Gefitinib; they reduce its absorption.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warning: Gefitinib can harm unborn babies and may pass into breast milk. Use reliable birth control during treatment and avoid breastfeeding.
Proper Handling & Storage: Wash hands before/after use, store at room temperature, and keep away from children and pets.
Regular Monitoring: Frequent blood tests and check-ups are essential to assess liver function and detect serious side effects early.
Diet and Administration: Gefitinib can be taken with or without food, but follow any specific dietary guidelines provided by your doctor.
Missed Dose Protocol: Take the missed dose if remembered early; skip it if your next dose is due in under 12 hours. Never double the dose.
Vaccination Warning: Avoid live vaccines during and for 12 months after treatment, as Gefitinib weakens immune response.
Fertility Impact: Gefitinib may impair fertility in both men and women—discuss options if planning to have children.
Allergy Risk: Watch for rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty; seek immediate medical help if allergic reactions occur.
Following these precautions can help minimize potential risks while maximizing the benefits of Gefitinib. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance during your treatment.
You should have genetic testing to confirm the EGFR mutation, especially T790M, because Osimertinib is only effective for certain mutations. Discuss with your healthcare provider any history of interstitial lung disease, heart disease, or eye disease.
Gefitinib can be taken with or without food. However, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which may interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. These can help your body handle the side effects of cancer treatment more effectively.
Gefitinib, sold under the brand name Iressa, was first approved by the U.S. FDA on May 5, 2003. It was granted accelerated approval for treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had already tried other chemotherapy treatments like platinum-based drugs and docetaxel.
🔹 Why accelerated?
Early studies showed Gefitinib might help, so the FDA allowed its use while more research continued.
🔹 Temporary withdrawal:
Later studies didn’t confirm strong survival benefits, so AstraZeneca withdrew Iressa from the U.S. market in 2012. However, it continued to be used in other countries.
🔹 New approval in 2015:
On July 13, 2015, the FDA re-approved Gefitinib—but this time, only for a specific group:
Patients with metastatic NSCLC that have EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution).
🔹 How was this confirmed?
Clinical trials showed:
A 50% response rate
Median response duration of 6.0 months
🔹 Companion diagnostic:
To make sure only the right patients get it, the FDA also approved the therascreen EGFR test, a tool to detect EGFR mutations.
✅ Today, Gefitinib (Iressa) is FDA-approved as a targeted first-line treatment for NSCLC patients with confirmed EGFR mutations offering personalized therapy with better outcomes.
Gefitinib (Iressa) is a targeted cancer medicine used mainly for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It works by blocking a protein on cancer cells called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), which helps those cells grow and divide. In some lung cancer patients, EGFR becomes faulty and makes the cancer grow too fast.
Gefitinib stops the signal from this faulty EGFR, which helps slow or stop cancer growth. It works best in patients with specific EGFR gene mutations (like exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R). Over time, cancer may become resistant, often due to new mutations (like T790M), and other treatments may then be needed.
While Gefitinib (Iressa) can be very effective in treating certain types of lung cancer, like all medicines, it may also cause some unwanted side effects. Not everyone will experience them, but if they do occur, some may require immediate medical attention.
Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following serious side effects:
Common serious effects:
Strong stomach or abdominal pain
Pale or clay-colored stool
Dark-colored urine
Reduced appetite
Severe or long-lasting diarrhea
Fever
Headaches
Skin rashes or constant itching
Nausea or vomiting
Yellowing of the eyes or skin (possible liver problems)
Swollen feet or lower legs
Feeling unusually tired or weak
Less common serious effects:
Irritated, dry, or burning eyes
Chest pain
Coughing or chills
Difficulty breathing
Eye swelling, pain, or unusual discharge
Thick mucus in the lungs
Rapid or shallow breathing
General weakness or feeling unwell
Rare but serious effects:
Peeling or blistering of the skin
Unusual stools that are black or bloody
Coffee-ground-like vomit (a sign of internal bleeding)
Severe joint or muscle pain
Purple spots or red rashes on the skin
Painful sores in the mouth or lips
Serious stomach cramps or burning
Ongoing sore throat
Milder Side Effects (usually not serious):
Some side effects may be mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. These usually don’t require medical treatment unless they continue or become bothersome:
Red or sore areas around the fingernails
Fingernail loosening or changes
What to Do:
If you experience any unusual symptoms or if common side effects don’t go away, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
You can also report serious side effects directly to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Gefitinib is prescribed for the first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors have specific EGFR mutations (exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution). The following table summarizes the recommended dosing and administration guidelines:
| Category | Details |
| Recommended Dose | 250 mg orally once daily, with or without food. |
| Administration | – Swallow tablets whole. – For patients who have difficulty swallowing solids:Disperse the tablet in 4–8 ounces of water, stir for approximately 15 minutes, and consume immediately or administer via nasogastric tube. |
| Missed Dose | If a dose is missed and it’s within 12 hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. |
| Duration of Therapy | Continue treatment until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. |
| Dose Modifications | – Adverse Reactions: Withhold therapy for up to 14 days for Grade 2 or higher liver enzyme elevations (ALT/AST), Grade 3 or higher diarrhea, severe ocular disorders, or Grade 3 or higher skin reactions. Resume therapy when adverse effects resolve or improve to Grade 1.
– Drug Interactions: If coadministered with strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin), increase dose to 500 mg daily in the absence of severe adverse reactions. Resume 250 mg daily after discontinuation of the strong CYP3A4 inducer. |
| Special Populations | – Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment; monitor closely.
– Renal Impairment: No dosage adjustment is necessary for mild to moderate renal impairment. – Geriatric Use: No overall differences in safety observed between patients 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years. |
| Storage | Store in the original package to protect from moisture. |
Monitoring Recommendations:
Liver Function: Periodically monitor liver enzymes (ALT/AST) during treatment.
Pulmonary Symptoms: Monitor for signs of interstitial lung disease (ILD), such as cough, dyspnea, and fever.
Gastrointestinal Health: Monitor for symptoms of gastrointestinal perforation.
Ocular Health: Monitor for signs and symptoms of severe or worsening ocular disorders, including keratitis.
Skin Reactions: Monitor for bullous, blistering, or exfoliating skin conditions.
Note: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Missing a dose of Gefitinib (Iressa) should be handled carefully to avoid affecting the medicine’s effectiveness.
What to Do:
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if it’s more than 12 hours before your next scheduled dose.
If less than 12 hours remain until the next dose, skip the missed one and do not take a double dose.
Never double up doses, as this increases the risk of serious side effects like diarrhea, rash, or liver problems.
Gefitinib works best when taken consistently every 24 hours, so missing doses can lower its ability to control non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Use a pill organizer or phone reminder to stay on track and avoid missed doses.
Taking two doses too close together may increase the risk of serious side effects like:
Gefitinib is manufactured by several trusted pharmaceutical companies worldwide, offering patients both branded and affordable generic versions to meet diverse healthcare needs. The original brand of Gefitinib, Iressa, is developed by AstraZeneca, a globally recognized pharmaceutical company known for quality and innovation in oncology treatments.
With increasing global demand for more accessible cancer care, multiple generic alternatives to Iressa have been introduced by reputable manufacturers. These include:
These companies follow strict international manufacturing standards and provide cost-effective yet high-quality alternatives to the original Iressa brand. They are widely trusted in countries like the USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Oman etc.
Patients looking to buy Gefitinib online should always choose reliable and licensed platforms like Unit Pharmacy Getinib to ensure they receive authentic, effective, and safe medication.
Gefitinib Cost and Price Overview
One of the most frequently asked questions is: “What is the Gefitinib price or Gefitinib cost?”
The price can vary based on brand, location, and availability. On Unit Pharmacy, we offer affordable Gefitinib options sourced from reputable manufacturers like Beacon, Incepta, and Drug International Ltd., You can buy Gefitinib online from us with worldwide shipping, including the USA, Australia, and the Middle East.
| Brand/Generic Name | Strength | Origin | Price (USD per strip) |
| Tagrix (Everest) | 250 mg | BD | $60 |
| Getinib (Drug) | 250 mg | BD | $50 |
| Iressa (Original) | 250 mg | UK | $150+ |
| Osimert (Incepta) | 250 mg | BD | $55 |
You can buy Gefitinib online with confidence from Unit Pharmacy, where we prioritize quality, authenticity, and affordability.
Gefitinib is widely known by its brand name Iressa, originally developed by AstraZeneca. Over time, several generic versions have become available globally, especially in countries seeking affordable cancer treatments. These generic names often vary by manufacturer and region, helping patients access the same active ingredient at a lower cost.
Common Gefitinib brand names and other names include:
Iressa (AstraZeneca – Original brand)
Geffy (Beacon Pharmaceuticals – Bangladesh)
Gefinib (Everest Pharmaceuticals)
Gefista (Incepta Pharmaceuticals)
Getinib (Drug International Ltd)
Geponib (General Pharma Ltd)
Patients may also search for Gefitinib under its chemical name, ZD1839, or simply as Gefitinib 250 mg (the most common dosage). When buying online, terms like “Gefitinib buy”, “buy Gefitinib online”, or “Iressa near me” are often searched. and our pharmacy helps fulfill those needs with fast shipping and verified medicines.
For genuine medicine, it’s best to choose trusted platforms like Unit Pharmacy.
Looking to buy Gefitinib online? At Unit Pharmacy, we supply Gefitinib 250 mg, with worldwide delivery options. Our platform is trusted by patients worldwide, especially in the USA, Australia, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Oman, Germany and many other countries.
Here’s why patients choose Unit Pharmacy for Gefitinib buy online:
Gefitinib is a game-changing treatment for patients with EGFR-positive NSCLC. With the right use and medical supervision, it can significantly improve life expectancy and quality of life.
At Unit Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer Gefitinib (Iressa) and generics at affordable rates for patients worldwide.
Whether you’re seeking Gefitinib, want to know how to take Gefitinib, or are comparing Gefitinib brand names, our team is here to help you make an informed decision.
Thank you.
