Against the backdrop of treatment with gefitinib, there were cases of interstitial lung injury (including fatal outcome). With the increase in symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, the use of the drug should be stopped and immediately examined. If the patient is confirmed to have an interstitial lung injury, the medication is discontinued and appropriate treatment is prescribed.
The most common development of interstitial lung lesions was observed in Japan (approximately 2% of cases in 27,000 patients taking the drug) compared with other countries (in 0.3% of cases among 39,000 patients).
Among the factors that increase the risk of interstitial lung injury were: smoking, severe general condition (PS> 2), normal lung tissue according to computed tomography (<50%), duration of illness (NSCLC) <6 months, interstitial pneumonia in history, (> 55 years), concomitant cardiovascular diseases.
Against the background of treatment with gefitinib, there was an asymptomatic increase in the activity of "liver" transaminases, in connection with which it is necessary to periodically monitor liver function. With a marked increase in the activity of "liver" transaminases, the drug should be stopped.
At the host gefitinib patients perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are possible. In most cases, this is associated with other risk factors, including the use of steroid drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, elderly age, smoking or intestinal metastases at perforation sites. If the patient confirms the presence of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, the drug is stopped and appropriate treatment is prescribed.
In patients receiving warfarin, prothrombin time should be monitored on a regular basis.
If any symptoms appear on the part of the eyes or when severe or prolonged diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or anorexia develops, the patient should immediately consult a doctor.
In patients with hard-to-resolve diarrhea, a short-term interruption in treatment (up to 14 days) is possible, with the subsequent resumption of treatment with the drug at a dose of 250 mg / day, against the background of treatment or adverse reactions from the skin.
When used in combination with radiotherapy as first-line therapy in children with brainstem glioma or non-radically removed glioma of supratentorial location, 4 cases (one lethal) of cerebral hemorrhages were reported. Another case of cerebral hemorrhage was noted in a child with ependymoma with monotherapy with gefitinib. In adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer, no adverse events were reported with the drug.
Men and women of childbearing age during treatment with gefitinib and at least 3 months after it should use reliable methods contraception.