Iressa® (gefitinib) Tablets for EGFR-Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

What Iressa® Is and How It Works

Iressa® (gefitinib) is an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for adults with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors carry activating EGFR mutations, such as exon 19 deletions or L858R. It blocks signaling that drives cancer cell growth and spread. Many people look for the Iressa price and safe ways to buy Iressa online. If you need Iressa without insurance, Canadian pharmacy pricing may help lower out-of-pocket costs.

YouDrugstore.com is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with vetted, licensed partner pharmacies internationally to supply authentic brand medicines at competitive Canadian prices across a broad selection.

Iressa® is taken as a tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Genetic testing confirms EGFR mutation status before starting therapy. Your oncology team monitors your response and tolerability and adjusts your overall treatment plan as needed.

Dosage and Usage

• Standard dose: 250 mg by mouth once daily at about the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. If you cannot swallow tablets, disperse in half a glass of water; stir until the tablet breaks up, and drink immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the rinse.
• With or without food is acceptable. Aim for a consistent routine.
• Missed dose: If it is 12 hours or more until the next dose, take the missed dose when remembered. If less than 12 hours remain, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double doses.
• If you vomit after a dose, do not take an extra tablet. Take the next dose at the usual time.
• Avoid proton pump inhibitors if possible, as they may lower gefitinib exposure. Discuss alternatives if you need acid-reducing therapy.
• Tell your clinician about all medicines and supplements. Strong CYP3A4 inducers can reduce effectiveness; strong inhibitors can increase side effects.

• Store Iressa® at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in the original packaging. Keep dry and away from direct heat and humidity.
• Do not store in a bathroom or a hot car. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• For travel, keep tablets in original labeled packaging in your carry-on. Bring a copy of your prescription.
• Pack enough for your trip plus extra days in case of delays. Use a pill case only if you also carry the labeled container for security checks.

Benefits and Savings

Iressa® targets tumors driven by EGFR mutations. As an oral, once-daily therapy, it avoids infusion visits and can simplify daily treatment. In clinical studies, EGFR mutation–positive patients experienced improved response rates and progression-free survival versus chemotherapy. Many patients appreciate the predictability of a steady daily dose, monitored with periodic scans and lab tests.

Ordering from Canada can reduce the Iressa cost. You may save 60–80% compared with typical US prices, especially if paying without insurance. Multi-month supplies and periodic bulk promotions can lower the per-month expense.

For current deals, see our Iressa coupon page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Skin: acneiform rash, dry skin, itching, redness, nail changes, and cracking.
• Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, mouth sores, abdominal discomfort.
• Eyes: dry eye, irritation, conjunctivitis; rare corneal issues.
• General: fatigue, weakness, headache, weight loss.
• Liver: transient increases in liver enzymes on blood tests.

Serious but less common risks include interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, or fever), severe liver injury, gastrointestinal perforation, severe skin reactions, and corneal ulcer/keratitis (eye pain or vision changes). Seek urgent care for respiratory distress, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin/eyes, or eye symptoms. Avoid use in pregnancy; use effective contraception during treatment and after the last dose as advised by your clinician. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for a period after the last dose as directed by your care team. Gefitinib does not cause hypoglycemia and is not used with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Onset Time

Rash and gastrointestinal effects often appear within the first 1–3 weeks and may ebb with supportive care. Tumor responses are commonly assessed at 6–8 weeks by imaging. Some patients notice symptom relief earlier, while others require several cycles to see maximal benefit. Your oncology team will schedule scans and check-ins to track progress.

Compare With Alternatives

Other first-line EGFR-targeted options include erlotinib (Tarceva), afatinib (Gilotrif), and osimertinib (Tagrisso). Osimertinib is often favored when central nervous system activity or specific resistance mutations are a concern. Selection depends on mutation subtype, side-effect profile, comorbidities, and access.

If disease progresses on Iressa®, your team may re-biopsy or use liquid biopsy to assess for resistance mutations (such as T790M) and consider switching to another EGFR TKI or a different treatment class.

Beyond EGFR TKIs, the broader oncology landscape includes immunotherapy and targeted agents for other cancers. You can also find medicines such as Bavencio® and Zytiga® here, reflecting our range of oncology treatments.

Combination Therapy

• Usually used as monotherapy for EGFR mutation–positive metastatic NSCLC.
• Local therapies (stereotactic radiation, surgery) may be added for limited progression or symptom relief under specialist guidance.
• Be cautious with anticoagulants (for example, warfarin); monitoring may need adjustment.
• Avoid routine combination with chemotherapy unless directed by an oncologist in a specific protocol.
• If supportive medicines are used for rash or diarrhea, follow your clinician’s dosing to balance symptom control and adherence.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Iressa® may be appropriate for adults with metastatic NSCLC proven to have activating EGFR mutations. It is not intended for patients with EGFR wild-type tumors. A history of interstitial lung disease, significant liver impairment, severe ocular surface disease, or uncontrolled gastrointestinal conditions may increase risk and requires careful evaluation.

Tell your care team about all medicines and supplements. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example, some anticonvulsants) can reduce gefitinib levels; strong inhibitors can increase side effects. Acid-reducing agents can lower exposure. Your oncology team will individualize your plan.

To manage the Iressa tablets price, consider a longer supply when appropriate. Reorder reminders help you stay on schedule, and a multi-month fill can reduce shipping fees and per-month costs. If you are paying the Iressa cash price, ask about current bulk promotions and any documentation you need for health spending accounts. Patients who are uninsured or managing Iressa out of pocket often compare Canadian prices to stretch budgets.

You can also review therapies for related conditions in our Cancer section.

Authoritative Sources

See these resources for detailed prescribing information and safety:

AstraZeneca Iressa (gefitinib) prescribing information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Iressa

FDA label for gefitinib

Order Iressa® from YouDrugstore.com: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is educational and does not replace personalized advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the medicine’s official labeling.