IRESSA™ (gefitinib)
Alternative brand (trade) names:
What is IRESSA™ ?
IRESSA tablets contain the medicine gefitinib, which is a selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase.
What is IRESSA™ used for?
IRESSA is used to treat patients with locally-advanced or metastatic non small cell lung cancer who have previously received chemotherapy or who are not suitable for chemotherapy.
How does IRESSA™ work ?
The EGFR tyrosine kinase is an enzyme (chemical) which is commonly expressed in a variety of solid human tumours. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, IRESSA slows tumour growth, metastasis (spread of tumours from one part of the body to another) and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels supporting growth of the tumour) and increases tumour cell apoptosis (cell death).
How is IRESSA™ given ?
IRESSA is available as tablets which can be taken with or without food.
Country specific information
To consult your local information.
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