Gefitinib
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Sold as IRESSA
- Drug class
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (Egfr) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 4
- Products on record
- 15
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 141
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Gefitinib is a type of medication known as an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor [1]. It is approved for the initial treatment of patients diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [1]. This approval is specifically for cases where the patient's tumors possess epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations, as confirmed by a validated test [1].
The safety and effectiveness of gefitinib have not been established for patients with metastatic NSCLC who have EGFR mutations other than those specified [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 141 adverse event reports associated with gefitinib [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events include death, malignant neoplasm progression, drug resistance, acquired gene mutation, and metastases to the lung [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 7 | May 22, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 6 | March 22, 2025 |
| US United States | FDA | 1 | February 22, 2023 |
| EU European Union | EMA | 1 | July 17, 2023 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
7 products
Uses
4).
How to take
CACanada· Health Canada
6 products
Uses
IRESSA (gefitinib) is indicated for: the first line treatment of patients with locally advanced (not amenable to curative therapy) or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have activating mutations of the EGFR-TK (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS – Monitoring and Laboratory Tests).
This indication was based on progression-free survival (PFS). After 78% of trial patients had died, no statistically significant difference in overall survival (OS) was demonstrated with first line IRESSA compared to the first line chemotherapy doublet in patients with EGFR mutation positive tumours in the IPASS study (see 14 CLINICAL TRIALS).
1 Special Populations). 1 Special Populations).
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
1 product
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Gefitinib tablets are indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test [ see Clinical Studies (14) ].
Limitation of Use:
Safety and efficacy of gefitinib tablets have not been established in patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have EGFR mutations other than exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations [ see Clinical Studies (14) ].
Gefitinib tablets are a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test.
EUEuropean Union· EMA
1 product
Uses
4).
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Gefitinib. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
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Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL177800866 · revised November 14, 2025
- [2]Health Canada (DPD) · 02248676 · revised March 22, 2025
- [3]FDA DailyMed · 0afc12dd-12f8-4d… · revised February 22, 2023 [PDF]
- [4]European Medicines Agency · EMEA/H/C/001016 · revised July 17, 2023
- [5]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.