What are the side effects of Gefitinib?

Gefitinib (Gefitinib) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, used for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although it has significant therapeutic effects in select patient groups, like many drugs, gefitinib can cause a range of side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects vary from individual to individual. Here are some possible side effects of gefitinib:

1.Skin reactions: Skin reactions are one of the most common side effects of gefitinib. These reactions include rash, itching, erythema, dryness, and peeling. The rash usually occurs in the early stages of treatment and may affect areas such as the face, neck, chest, and back. Although most rashes are mild, in some cases they can become severe and affect the patient's quality of life.

2.Gastrointestinal problems: Gefitinib may cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and indigestion. These symptoms may have an impact on the patient's diet and lifestyle habits.

3.Abnormal liver function: Some patients may develop abnormal liver function while taking gefitinib. This may include symptoms such as elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and liver insufficiency. Therefore, doctors usually test patients' liver function regularly to ensure liver health.

4.Respiratory symptoms: During gefitinib treatment, some patients may experience respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are usually mild, but may cause discomfort in some cases.

5.Eye problems: There are reports that gefitinib may cause eye problems, such as dryness, stinging, pain, and tearing. These problems may affect the patient's vision and comfort.

6.Muscle and joint discomfort: Some patients may experience muscle and joint discomfort, pain, stiffness, and fatigue. This may affect their ability to exercise and quality of life.

7.Fatigue: Patients taking gefitinib may experience fatigue and weakness. This fatigue may be due to the effects of the medication on your overall physical state.

8.Others: Other possible side effects include headache, fever, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, oral problems and weight loss.

It is important to note that the occurrence and severity of side effects vary from individual to individual. Not all patients taking gefitinib will experience all of these side effects, and some may experience only mild symptoms. Doctors typically monitor and treat patients on a case-by-case basis to ensure optimal treatment effectiveness and side-effect management.

If patients experience side effects while using gefitinib, they should report it to their doctor promptly and make adjustments according to their doctor's recommendations. During the treatment process, maintaining close contact with the medical team can help solve problems in a timely manner and ensure the success of the treatment.

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.