IRESSA Gefitinib 250 mg Tablet, Coated, 30-count
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Kinase Inhibitor class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
Gefitinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in people with certain types of tumors. Gefitinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Gefitinib only works in lung cancers that carry specific EGFR gene mutations — specifically an exon 19 deletion or an exon 21 (L858R) mutation. Without those mutations, the drug ha...
- Why do I need a genetic test before starting gefitinib?
- Good news — you can take gefitinib with or without food, whichever works best for your routine. There are no specific foods listed as a concern, but some medicines that affect your...
- Can I take gefitinib with food, and are there any foods or drinks I should avoid?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Gefitinib — tap one for details:
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
Where does this data come from?
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
-
UNII M28OL1HH48
Croscarmellose sodium is a plant-based substance derived from cellulose. It acts as a disintegrant, helping tablets and capsules break down quickly in the digestive system so the medicine can be absorbed.
-
UNII 1K09F3G675
Ferric oxide red is an inorganic iron compound used as a colorant in medicines. It gives tablets, capsules, or other dosage forms a red or reddish tint for identification and appearance.
-
UNII EX438O2MRT
Ferric oxide yellow is a naturally occurring iron compound used as a colorant in medications. It gives tablets, capsules, and other forms a yellow or golden hue for identification and appearance.
-
UNII 3NXW29V3WO
Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
-
UNII EWQ57Q8I5X
Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
-
UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
-
UNII OP1R32D61U
Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
-
UNII 5655G9Y8AQ
A synthetic liquid polymer used as a solvent and humectant in medications. It helps dissolve active ingredients, maintain moisture in the formulation, and improve how the medicine flows and is absorbed.
-
UNII FZ989GH94E
Povidone is a synthetic polymer made from a plastic-like material. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach so the medicine can be absorbed.
-
UNII 368GB5141J
A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
-
UNII 15FIX9V2JP
Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
11 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $309.47 | $9,284.11 / 30 tablets |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J8565 | No ASP payment limit on file for J8565 this quarter. | |
Where does this data come from?
🧾 Billing & reimbursement
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iressa 250 mgthis 00310-0482-30 | AstraZeneca | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Gefitinib 250 mg 00480-4053-56 | Teva | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Gefitinib 250 mg 50742-0366-30 | Ingenus | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Gefitinib 250 mg 67184-0531-01 | Qilu | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Gefitinib 250 mg 69339-0168-03 | Natco | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
The FDA lists approved generic versions of this medicine, but that does not always mean a pharmacy can get one today. Patent rules, launch agreements, supply and pricing can affect when generics actually arrive.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00310-0482-30 You're viewing this | 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (0310-0482-30) | 2015-07-13 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
Why is there no price listed?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Does this product have a billing J-code?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE IRESSA is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Limitation of Use: Safety and efficacy of IRESSA have not been established in patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have EGFR mutations other than exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
IRESSA is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. (1) Limitation of Use: Safety and efficacy of IRESSA have not been established in patients whose tumors have EGFR mutations other than exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations. (1)
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dose is 250 mg orally, once daily with or without food. (2.2)
2.1Patient Selection Select patients for the first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC with IRESSA based on the presence of EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations in their tumor or plasma specimens [see Indications and Usage (1) , Clinical Studies (14) ] . If these mutations are not detected in a plasma specimen, test tumor tissue if feasible. Information on FDA-approved tests for the detection of EGFR mutations in NSCLC is available at: http://www.fda.gov/CompanionDiagnostics .
2.2Recommended Dose The recommended dose of IRESSA is 250 mg orally once daily with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose.
2.3Administration to Patients Who Have Difficulty Swallowing Solids Immerse IRESSA tablets in 4 to 8 ounces of water by dropping the tablet in water, and stir for approximately 15 minutes. Immediately drink the liquid or administer through a naso-gastric tube. Rinse the container with 4 to 8 ounces of water and immediately drink or administer through the naso-gastric tube.
2.4Dose Modification Dose Modifications for Adverse Drug Reactions Withhold IRESSA (for up to 14 days) for any of the following: • Acute onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms (dyspnea, cough, fever) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • NCI CTCAE Grade 2 or higher in ALT and/or AST elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or higher diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Signs and symptoms of severe or worsening ocular disorders including keratitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • NCI CTCAE Grade 3 or higher skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Resume treatment with IRESSA when the adverse reaction fully resolves or improves to NCI CTCAE Grade 1.
Permanently discontinue IRESSA for: • Confirmed interstitial lung disease (ILD) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Gastrointestinal perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Persistent ulcerative keratitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Dose Modifications for Drug Interactions Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Increase IRESSA to 500 mg daily in the absence of severe adverse drug reaction, and resume IRESSA at 250 mg seven days after discontinuation of the strong CYP3A4 inducer [see Drug Interactions (7) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 250 mg tablets: round, biconvex, brown film-coated, debossed with "IRESSA 250" on one side and plain on the other side. Tablets: 250 mg. (3)
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. (4)
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Interstitial lung disease (ILD): ILD occurred in patients taking IRESSA. Withhold IRESSA for worsening of respiratory symptoms. Discontinue IRESSA if ILD is confirmed.
( 2.4 , 5.1 ) • Hepatotoxicity: Obtain periodic liver function testing. Withhold IRESSA for Grade 2 or higher for ALT and/or AST elevations. Discontinue for severe hepatic impairment.
( 2.4 , 5.2 ) • Gastrointestinal perforation: Discontinue IRESSA for gastrointestinal perforation. ( 2.4 , 5.3 ) • Diarrhea: Withhold IRESSA for Grade 3 or higher diarrhea. ( 2.4 , 5.4 ) • Ocular Disorders including Keratitis: Withhold IRESSA for signs and symptoms of severe or worsening ocular disorders including keratitis.
Discontinue for persistent ulcerative keratitis. ( 2.4 , 5.5 ) • Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders: Withhold IRESSA for Grade 3 or higher skin reactions or exfoliative conditions. ( 2.4 , 5.6 ) • Embryo-fetal Toxicity: Can cause fetal harm.
Advise of potential risk to a fetus and use of effective contraception. ( 5.7 , 8.1 , 8.3 )
5.1Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) ILD or ILD-like adverse drug reactions (e.g., lung infiltration, pneumonitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or pulmonary fibrosis) occurred in 1.3% of the 2462 patients who received IRESSA across clinical trials; of these, 0.7% were Grade 3 or higher and 3 cases were fatal. Withhold IRESSA and promptly investigate for ILD in any patient who presents with worsening of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and fever. Permanently discontinue IRESSA if ILD is confirmed [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
5.2Hepatotoxicity In patients who received IRESSA across clinical trials, 11.4% of patients had increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 7.9% of patients had increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and 2.7% of patients had increased bilirubin. Grade 3 or higher liver test abnormalities occurred in 5.1% (ALT), 3.0% (AST), and 0.7% (bilirubin) of patients. The incidence of fatal hepatotoxicity was 0.04%.
Obtain periodic liver function testing. Withhold IRESSA in patients with worsening liver function and discontinue in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] .
5.3Gastrointestinal Perforation Gastrointestinal perforation occurred in three (0.1%) of the 2462 IRESSA-treated patients across clinical trials [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Permanently discontinue IRESSA in patients who develop gastrointestinal perforation [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] .
5.4Severe or Persistent Diarrhea Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea occurred in 3% of 2462 IRESSA-treated patients across clinical trials. Withhold IRESSA for severe or persistent (up to 14 days) diarrhea [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
5.5Ocular Disorders including Keratitis Ocular disorders [keratitis (0.1%), corneal erosion and aberrant eyelash growth (0.2%), conjunctivitis, blepharitis and dry eye (6.7%)] occurred in the 2462 IRESSA-treated patients across clinical trials. The incidence of Grade 3 ocular disorders was 0.1% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Interrupt or discontinue IRESSA for severe, or worsening ocular disorders [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] .
5.6Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders Bullous conditions including toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme have been reported from treatment with IRESSA. Erythema multiforme and dermatitis bullous have been reported in two patients (0.08%) across NSCLC trials (Study 2, Study 3 and Study 4). IRESSA treatment should be interrupted or discontinued if the patient develops severe bullous, blistering or exfoliating conditions.
5.7Embryo-fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action and data from animal reproduction studies IRESSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproductive studies, oral administration…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse drug reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: • Interstitial Lung Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Hepatotoxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Gastrointestinal Perforation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Severe or Persistent Diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Ocular Disorders including Keratitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] • Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders [see Warning and Precautions (5.6) ] The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs), reported in more than 20% of the patients and greater than placebo were skin reactions and diarrhea.
(6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of IRESSA is based on the data from 2462 patients with NSCLC who received IRESSA 250 mg daily monotherapy in three randomized clinical studies (Study 2, Study 3 and Study 4). Patients with a history of interstitial lung disease, drug-induced interstitial disease, radiation pneumonitis that required steroid treatment or any evidence of clinically active interstitial lung disease were excluded from these studies.
Controlled Studies: Study 2 was a randomized, multicenter, open-label trial in which 1217 patients were randomized to receive first-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC; 607 patients received IRESSA 250 mg daily and 589 patients received carboplatin/paclitaxel. The median duration of treatment with IRESSA was 5.9 months. The study population characteristics were: median age 57 years, age less than 65 years (73%), female (79%), Asian (100%), NSCLC adenocarcinoma histology (100%), never smoker (94%), light ex-smoker (6%), ECOG PS 0 or 1 (90%).
Study 3 was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 1692 patients were randomized to receive second- or third-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC; of which 1126 patients received IRESSA 250 mg daily and 562 patients received placebo. The median duration of treatment with IRESSA was 2.9 months. The study population characteristics were: median age 62 years, age less than 65 years (60%), female (33%), Caucasian (75%), Asian (21%), NSCLC adenocarcinoma histology (48%), never smoker (22%), ECOG PS 0 or 1 (65%), PS 2 (29%), PS 3 (5%) and two or more prior therapies (51%).
Study 4 was a randomized, multicenter, open-label trial in which 1466 patients were randomized to receive second-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC; 729 patients received IRESSA 250 mg daily and 715 patients received docetaxel. The median duration of treatment with IRESSA was 2.4 months. The study population characteristics were: median age 61 years, age less than 65 years (61%), female (36%), Caucasian (79%), Asian (21%), NSCLC adenocarcinoma histology (54%), never smoker (20%), ECOG PS 0 or 1 (88%) and two or more prior therapies (16%).
The pooled safety database from the three randomized trials was used to evaluate for serious and uncommon adverse drug reactions. Common adverse reactions were evaluated in Study 3. The most frequent adverse reactions in Study 3 (incidence of >20% and greater than placebo) reported in IRESSA-treated patients were skin reactions (47%) and diarrhea (29%).
The most frequent fatal adverse reactions in IRESSA-treated patients were respiratory failure (0.9%), pneumonia (0.8%), and pulmonary embolism (0.5%). Approximately 5% of IRESSA-treated patients and 2.3% of placebo-treated patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse event. The most frequent adverse reactions that led to discontinuation in patients treated with IRESSA were nausea (0.5%…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • CYP3A4 Inducer: Increase IRESSA to 500 mg daily in patients receiving a strong CYP3A4 inducer. ( 2.4 , 7.1 ) • CYP3A4 Inhibitor: Monitor adverse reactions if concomitant use with IRESSA. ( 7.1 ) • Drugs Affecting Gastric pH: Avoid concomitant use of IRESSA with proton pump inhibitors, if possible. ( 7.1 ) • Hemorrhage in patients taking warfarin: Monitor changes in prothrombin time or INR. ( 7.2 )
7.1Drugs Affecting Gefitinib Exposure CYP3A4 Inducer Drugs that are strong inducers of CYP3A4 increase the metabolism of gefitinib and decrease gefitinib plasma concentrations. Increase IRESSA to 500 mg daily in patients receiving a strong CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, or tricyclic antidepressant) and resume IRESSA at 250 mg 7 days after discontinuation of the strong inducer [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . CYP3A4 Inhibitor Drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole and itraconazole) decrease gefitinib metabolism and increase gefitinib plasma concentrations.
Monitor adverse reactions when administering strong CYP3A4 inhibitors with IRESSA. Drugs Affecting Gastric pH Drugs that elevate gastric pH (e.g., proton pump inhibitors, histamine H 2 -receptor antagonists, and antacids) may reduce plasma concentrations of gefitinib. Avoid concomitant use of IRESSA with proton pump inhibitors, if possible.
If treatment with a proton-pump inhibitor is required, take IRESSA 12 hours after the last dose or 12 hours before the next dose of the proton-pump inhibitor. Take IRESSA 6 hours after or 6 hours before an H 2 -receptor antagonist or an antacid [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .
7.2Hemorrhage in Patients taking Warfarin International Normalized Ratio (INR) elevations and/or hemorrhage have been reported in some patients taking warfarin while on IRESSA therapy. Patients taking warfarin should be monitored regularly for changes in prothrombin time or INR.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: Discontinue breast-feeding. (8.2)
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and animal data, IRESSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of gefitinib from organogenesis through weaning resulted in fetotoxicity and neonatal death at doses below the recommended human dose ( see Animal Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to a fetus or potential risk for loss of the pregnancy.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown; however, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data A single dose study in rats showed that gefitinib crosses the placenta after an oral dose of 5 mg/kg (30 mg/m 2 , about 0.2 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). When pregnant rats were treated with 5 mg/kg from the beginning of organogenesis to the end of weaning there was a reduction in the number of offspring born alive.
This effect was more severe at 20 mg/kg (approximate the human clinical dose on a mg/m 2 basis) and was accompanied by high neonatal mortality soon after parturition. In rabbits, a dose of 20 mg/kg/day (240 mg/m 2 , about twice the recommended dose in humans on a mg/m 2 basis) caused reduced fetal weight.
8.2Lactation Risk Summary It is not known whether IRESSA is excreted in human milk. Animal studies indicate the gefitinib and its metabolites are present in rat milk at a concentration higher than those in maternal plasma. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from IRESSA, advise women to discontinue breast-feeding during treatment with IRESSA.
Data Animal Data Levels of gefitinib and its metabolites were 11-to-19-fold higher in milk than in blood, after oral exposure of lactating rats to a dose of 5 mg/kg.
8.3Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Contraception Based on its mechanism of action and animal data, IRESSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IRESSA and for at least two weeks following completion of therapy. Infertility IRESSA may result in reduced fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ] .
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of IRESSA in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5Geriatric Use Of the 823 patients enrolled in two randomized, active-controlled clinical trials 374 patients (45%) were 65 years and older, and 93 patients (11%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety were observed between patients 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years. There is insufficient information to assess for differences in efficacy between older and younger patients.
8.6Renal Impairment Less than four percent (<4%) of gefitinib and its metabolites are excreted via the kidney. No clinical studies were conducted with IRESSA in patients with severe renal impairment.
8.7Hepatic Impairment The systemic exposure of gefitinib was compared in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment due to cirrhosis (according to Child-Pugh classification) and healthy subjects with normal hepatic function (N=10/group). The mean systemic exposure (AUC 0-∞ ) was increased by 40% in patients with mild impairment, 263% in patients with moderate impairment, and 166% in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Monitor adverse reactions when IRESSA is administered to patients with moderate and severe hepatic impairment.
In a study comparing 13 patients with liver metastases and moderate hepatic impairment (addition of CTC grade of baseline AST/SGOT, ALP, and bilirubin equals 3 to 5) to 14 patients with liver metastases and normal he…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on its mechanism of action and animal data, IRESSA can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproductive studies, oral administration of gefitinib from organogenesis through weaning resulted in fetotoxicity and neonatal death at doses below the recommended human dose ( see Animal Data ). Advise pregnant women of the potential hazard to a fetus or potential risk for loss of the pregnancy.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown; however, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data A single dose study in rats showed that gefitinib crosses the placenta after an oral dose of 5 mg/kg (30 mg/m 2 , about 0.2 times the recommended human dose on a mg/m 2 basis). When pregnant rats were treated with 5 mg/kg from the beginning of organogenesis to the end of weaning there was a reduction in the number of offspring born alive.
This effect was more severe at 20 mg/kg (approximate the human clinical dose on a mg/m 2 basis) and was accompanied by high neonatal mortality soon after parturition. In rabbits, a dose of 20 mg/kg/day (240 mg/m 2 , about twice the recommended dose in humans on a mg/m 2 basis) caused reduced fetal weight.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of IRESSA in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Of the 823 patients enrolled in two randomized, active-controlled clinical trials 374 patients (45%) were 65 years and older, and 93 patients (11%) were 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety were observed between patients 65 years and older and those younger than 65 years. There is insufficient information to assess for differences in efficacy between older and younger patients.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE Twenty three patients were treated weekly with doses from 1500 mg to 3500 mg, and IRESSA exposure did not increase with increasing dose. Adverse events were mostly mild to moderate in severity, and were consistent with the known safety profile of IRESSA. In the event of suspected overdose, interrupt IRESSA, institute supportive care, and observe until clinical stabilization.
There are no specific measures/treatments that should be taken following IRESSA overdosing.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface of both normal and cancer cells and plays a role in the processes of cell growth and proliferation. Some EGFR activating mutations (exon 19 deletion or exon 21 point mutation L858R) within NSCLC cells have been identified as contributing to the promotion of tumor cell growth, blocking of apoptosis, increasing the production of angiogenic factors and facilitating the processes of metastasis. Gefitinib reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of wild-type and certain activating mutations of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues associated with the receptor, thereby inhibiting further downstream signaling and blocking EGFR-dependent proliferation.
Gefitinib binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 point mutation L858R mutations is higher than its affinity for the wild-type EGFR. Gefitinib also inhibits IGF and PDGF-mediated signaling at clinically relevant concentrations; inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors has not been fully characterized.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption and Distribution The mean oral bioavailability of gefitinib is 60%, with peak plasma levels occurring 3-7 hours after dosing. Food does not alter gefitinib bioavailability to a clinically meaningful extent. IRESSA can be administered with or without food.
Gefitinib is extensively distributed throughout the body with a mean steady state volume of distribution of 1400 L following intravenous administration. In vitro binding of gefitinib to human plasma proteins (serum albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein) is 90%, independent of drug concentrations. Gefitinib is a substrate for the membrane transport P-glycoprotein (P-gp), but it is unlikely to influence gefitinib absorption as P-gp is saturated at higher concentrations.
Metabolism and Elimination Gefitinib undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism in humans, predominantly by CYP3A4. Three sites of biotransformation have been identified: metabolism of the N-propoxymorpholino-group, demethylation of the methoxy-substituent on the quinazoline, and oxidative defluorination of the halogenated phenyl group. Five metabolites have been fully identified in fecal extracts and the major active component was O-desmethyl gefitinib produced by CYP2D6 metabolism and accounted for 14% of the dose.
Eight metabolites were identified in human plasma. Only O-desmethyl gefitinib has exposure comparable to gefitinib. Although this metabolite has similar EGFR-TK activity to gefitinib in the isolated enzyme assay, it had only 1/14 of the potency of gefitinib in one of the cell-based assays.
Gefitinib is cleared primarily by the liver, with total plasma clearance and elimination half-life of 48 hours after intravenous administration. The inter-subject variability (coefficient of variation) for AUC in healthy subjects was 67%. Daily oral administration of gefitinib to cancer patients resulted in a two-fold accumulation compared to single dose administration.
Steady state plasma concentrations are achieved within 10 days after daily dosing. Excretion of gefitinib and its metabolites is predominantly via the feces (86%), with renal elimination accounting for less than 4% of the administered dose. Specific Populations Age, gender, body weight, ethnicity or renal function : Population pharmacokinetic analyses suggest that patient age, body weight, ethnicity (populations included) or creatinine clearance (above 20 mL/min) has no clinically meaningful effect on predicted steady state trough concentration of gefitinib.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses of Study 1 showed that women had 27% higher exposure than men; however, this difference was not identified in the analyses of other gefitinib clinical studies. No dose adjustment based on patient gender is recommended. Hepatic Impairment : The systemic exposure of gefitinib was compared between patients with mild, moderate, or severe he…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed on the cell surface of both normal and cancer cells and plays a role in the processes of cell growth and proliferation. Some EGFR activating mutations (exon 19 deletion or exon 21 point mutation L858R) within NSCLC cells have been identified as contributing to the promotion of tumor cell growth, blocking of apoptosis, increasing the production of angiogenic factors and facilitating the processes of metastasis. Gefitinib reversibly inhibits the kinase activity of wild-type and certain activating mutations of EGFR, preventing autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues associated with the receptor, thereby inhibiting further downstream signaling and blocking EGFR-dependent proliferation.
Gefitinib binding affinity for EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 point mutation L858R mutations is higher than its affinity for the wild-type EGFR. Gefitinib also inhibits IGF and PDGF-mediated signaling at clinically relevant concentrations; inhibition of other tyrosine kinase receptors has not been fully characterized.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING IRESSA ® (gefitinib) is available as 250 mg tablets. IRESSA 250 mg tablets are round, biconvex, brown film-coated, debossed with "IRESSA 250" on one side and plain on the other side. IRESSA ® (gefitinib) tablets are supplied as: Bottles of 30 Tablets (NDC 0310-0482-30) Store at controlled room temperature 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature ].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Gefitinib is a kinase inhibitor. The chemical name of gefitinib is 4-Quinazolinamine N -(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-methoxy-6-[3-(4-morpholinyl) propoxy] and the following structural formula: Gefitinib has the molecular formula C 22 H 24 ClFN 4 O 3 , a relative molecular mass of 446.9 daltons and is a white-colored powder. Gefitinib is a free base.
The molecule has pK a s of 5.4 and 7.2. Gefitinib can be defined as sparingly soluble at pH 1, but is practically insoluble above pH 7, with the solubility decreasing sharply between pH 4 and pH 6. In non-aqueous solvents, gefitinib is freely soluble in glacial acetic acid and dimethyl sulfoxide, soluble in pyridine, sparingly soluble in tetrahydrofuran, and slightly soluble in methanol, ethanol (99.5%), ethyl acetate, propan-2-ol and acetonitrile.
IRESSA ® (gefitinib) tablets are available as brown film-coated tablets, containing 250 mg of gefitinib, for oral administration. The inactive ingredients of the tablet core of IRESSA tablets are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate. The tablet coating is composed of hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 300, titanium dioxide, red ferric oxide and yellow ferric oxide. structural formula for gefitinib
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labelling (Patient Information). Interstitial Lung Disease : Advise patients to immediately contact their healthcare provider for new onset or worsening of pulmonary symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and fever [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Hepatotoxicity : Inform patients that they will need to undergo lab tests to monitor for liver function.
Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider to report any new symptoms indicating hepatic toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Gastrointestinal Perforation : Advise patients that IRESSA can increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation and to seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . Severe or Persistent Diarrhea : Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider for severe or persistent diarrhea [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
Ocular Disorders including Keratitis : Advise patients promptly to contact their healthcare provider if they develop eye symptoms, lacrimation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, eye pain, red eye or changes in vision [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] . Bullous and Exfoliative Skin Disorders : Advise patients that IRESSA can increase the risk of bullous and exfoliative skin disorders and to seek immediately medical attention for severe skin reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] . Embryo-fetal Toxicity : Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus or potential risk for loss of the pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] .
Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with IRESSA and for at least two weeks following completion of therapy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] . Lactation : Advise women to discontinue breast-feeding during treatment with IRESSA [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2) ] . IRESSA is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. ©AstraZeneca 2023 Distributed by: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Wilmington, DE 19850