What
is this medicine for?
GEFINIX is a targeted cancer therapy for a specific type of lung cancer.
It works by blocking a faulty protein (EGFR — epidermal growth factor receptor)
that drives cancer cell growth when there is a particular genetic change
(mutation) in the tumour. By blocking this signal, it stops the cancer cells
from growing and dividing.
It is mainly used for management of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 substitution mutations.
|
⚠️ GENETIC TEST REQUIRED
FIRST |
GEFINIX only works if
your lung cancer has a specific EGFR mutation (exon 19 deletion or L858R).
Your oncologist must test your tumour (from a biopsy or a blood test) for
this mutation before prescribing. Without this mutation, gefitinib is
unlikely to work. |
How
do I take it?
• Take ONE tablet (250 mg) once a day
• Can be taken at any time of day —
with or without food
• Swallow whole with water
• If you cannot swallow tablets,
dissolve the tablet in half a glass of still water, stir well, and drink
immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the rinse too.
• If you miss a dose and your next dose
is more than 12 hours away, take the missed dose. If it is less than 12 hours
to your next dose, skip the missed one.
What
side effects might I notice?
Very common:
• Skin rash — acne-like spots,
particularly on the face, chest, and back (affects 5–7 in 10 patients).
Paradoxically, a rash often means the medicine is working.
• Diarrhoea — manage with diet (bland
foods, plenty of fluids); contact your team if severe
• Dry skin, brittle nails, or nail fold
infections (paronychia)
• Elevated liver enzymes (detected on
blood tests — usually no symptoms)
• Reduced appetite, mouth sores, mild
nausea
|
🚨 STOP IMMEDIATELY AND
GO TO HOSPITAL IF |
You develop new or
worsening breathlessness, a dry cough, or fever — these could be signs of
interstitial lung disease (ILD), a rare but potentially life-threatening side
effect. Do not wait for your next appointment. An urgent CT scan will be
needed. |
Important
monitoring during treatment
• Liver function blood tests: monthly
for the first 3 months, then every 3 months
• CT chest scan: at 8–12 weeks to
assess response, then every 3 months
• INR check if you are on warfarin:
more frequent monitoring needed
Who
should NOT take this medicine?
• Pregnant women or those planning to
become pregnant — gefitinib can harm an unborn baby
• Breastfeeding women
• Anyone allergic to gefitinib
• Patients with severe liver disease
Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 1 month
after the last dose.
What
happens if the medicine stops working?
Most patients respond well for 9–14 months before the cancer develops
resistance. When this happens, your oncologist will arrange a repeat biopsy or
blood test to identify the type of resistance. The most common resistance
change (T790M mutation) can be treated with a different, newer medicine. Your
oncologist will guide the next steps.
Frequently
Asked Questions
❓ Do I need a genetic test before starting GEFINIX?
Yes — gefitinib only works in patients whose tumour has certain EGFR
mutations. Without the right mutation, you could be taking a medicine that will
not work for your type of lung cancer. The test is done on a tumour biopsy or a
blood test (liquid biopsy). Your oncologist will arrange this before
prescribing.
❓ What should I do if I develop breathlessness while taking
GEFINIX?
Stop taking GEFINIX immediately and go to the hospital or contact your
oncologist the same day. New breathlessness, dry cough, or fever could be a
sign of interstitial lung disease (ILD) — a rare but potentially
life-threatening lung inflammation. An urgent CT chest scan will be needed.
Gefitinib is permanently stopped if ILD is confirmed.
❓ What is the difference between GEFINIX (gefitinib) and other
similar medicines?
Gefitinib was the first targeted EGFR medicine for lung cancer. Erlotinib
is very similar but must be taken on an empty stomach. Osimertinib (Tagrisso)
is a newer, third-generation option that is often preferred where available, as
it works better in the brain and lasts longer. Your oncologist will recommend
the best option based on your situation, test results, and access.