Gefitinib 250 mg Tablets UK

Gefitinib 250 mg Tablets UK

are prescription EGFR inhibitors used as a targeted therapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gefitinib works by blocking the signals that cause cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably. It is typically prescribed when tumors have specific EGFR gene mutations. Administered orally once per day under a doctor’s guidance.

Gefitinib Tablets 250 mg are a targeted cancer therapy belonging to a group of drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. These medications are designed to block the signals that tumors use to grow, divide, and spread.

Gefitinib is most commonly prescribed to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has EGFR gene mutations. It is typically used as a first-line treatment in adults whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body and whose tumors test positive for EGFR mutations.

Uses of Gefitinib 250 mg Tablets

Gefitinib is indicated for:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) — in metastatic or advanced stages

Patients who have EGFR gene mutation-positive tumors

First-line therapy in place of or after traditional chemotherapy

Maintenance treatment in some cases

Your oncologist will perform tests to confirm the presence of an EGFR mutation before prescribing Gefitinib.

How Gefitinib Works

Gefitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that specifically targets the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) pathway. In certain cancers like NSCLC, the EGFR gene is mutated, resulting in uncontrolled cell division.

Gefitinib:

Binds to the ATP-binding site of the EGFR tyrosine kinase

Inhibits phosphorylation and subsequent signal transduction pathways

Blocks tumor growth and proliferation

Slows down spread (metastasis) of cancer cells

Induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells

It functions as a precision medicine, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells compared to conventional chemotherapy.

Gefitinib 250 mg Dosage and Administration

Typical Adult Dose: 250 mg tablet once daily

Route: Oral (by mouth)

Meal Consideration: Can be taken with or without food

Administration Tip: Take with a full glass of water at the same time daily

Missed Dose: Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double up.

Always follow your oncologist’s personalized treatment plan. Dosage may be adjusted if side effects occur or based on liver function.

Benefits of Gefitinib Therapy

Targets cancer cells with fewer systemic side effects

Shown to improve progression-free survival in EGFR-positive NSCLC

Oral tablet form — no hospital infusion required

Suitable for long-term use with routine monitoring

High response rate in select patient populations

Side Effects of Gefitinib Tablets

While Gefitinib is generally better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy, it may cause some adverse effects.

Common Side Effects:

Skin rash or acne

Diarrhea

Nail inflammation (paronychia)

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Dry skin

Nausea and vomiting

Eye irritation

Serious Side Effects:

Interstitial lung disease (rare, but serious)

Liver toxicity

Severe diarrhea or dehydration

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Abnormal liver tests

Regular blood tests will be conducted to monitor liver function and overall health.