Is Gefitinib included in medical insurance? How much does a box cost?

Gefitinib (Gefitinib) is a targeted therapy drug commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially those expressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. EGFRmutation is one of the common genetic variations in NSCLC. It can lead to abnormal proliferation and survival of lung cancer cells, and therefore has become an important therapeutic target.

Gefitinib was launched in China in 2005. At that time, the price of a box was about 5,000 yuan. Enter medical insurance in China in 2017. The price after medical insurance has dropped a lot. For the specific price after medical insurance, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. Other versions include original drugs and cost-effective generic drugs. Generic drugs include generic drugs from India, Bangladesh and Laos. The prices vary with different specifications, about 200~800yuan, and the ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as domestic drugs.

Gefitinib inhibits the EGFRtyrosine kinase activity and blocks the EGFR signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells. The drug has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, which can extend the patient's survival, relieve symptoms, and improve the quality of life.

However, gefitinib may also cause some adverse reactions, including skin reactions (such as rash and itching), gastrointestinal problems (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and liver function abnormalities. Therefore, when using gefitinib, doctors need to carefully monitor patients' symptoms and signs to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drug.