Iressa® Tablets for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Iressa is a targeted cancer medicine used for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer with specific EGFR mutations. This page helps you understand how it works, who it may suit, and how to access it with US delivery from Canada. It also explains factors that influence the Iressa price without insurance so you can plan next steps.

What Iressa Is and How It Works

Iressa® contains gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It blocks signaling through mutant EGFR, which can slow or stop cancer cell growth in eligible tumors. As an oral option, it offers a daily, at-home approach that fits many routines. Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Therapy in this class may be used after testing confirms an activating EGFR mutation. Clinicians often monitor response with imaging and symptom review. If you are comparing Gefitinib 250 mg tablets with other agents, your care team can help interpret test results and guide next steps.

To learn more about the condition, see Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and browse our broader Cancer category. For community perspective, you might also visit World Lung Cancer Day 2025 and World Lung Day.

Who It’s For

This treatment is for adults with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have specific activating EGFR mutations, as confirmed by an approved test. It is not designed for cancers driven by other targets, such as ALK or ROS1. People with a history of serious lung inflammation, severe liver disease, or significant eye disorders should review risks carefully with a clinician.

Those who are pregnant or may become pregnant should discuss contraception and timing, because this medicine may harm an unborn baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended during use and for a period afterward. Your care team will consider overall health, test results, and prior therapies before deciding whether to start or continue therapy.

Dosage and Usage

The usual schedule is one tablet by mouth once daily. Swallow it whole with water, with or without food. If you have trouble swallowing, you may disperse the tablet in non-carbonated water, stir until it breaks, and drink the mixture immediately. Rinse the glass and drink the remaining liquid to ensure you receive the full dose.

Stay consistent with timing each day to support steady levels. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which can affect levels of the medicine. If new respiratory symptoms arise, such as sudden shortness of breath or worsening cough, contact a clinician promptly. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label for detailed instructions.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is supplied as oral tablets, commonly in a single strength of 250 mg. Packaging and pack sizes can vary by manufacturer and country; availability may differ by pharmacy. If you are researching Gefitinib Canadian pricing considerations, see the Pricing and Access section below.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due within several hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet. If you vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra tablet; wait for the next scheduled time. When in doubt, consult the official label or ask your clinician.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in the original container, protected from moisture and excess heat. Keep medicines out of reach of children and pets. For travel, carry your prescription, keep tablets in original labeled packaging, and place them in your carry-on. A simple medication list or doctor’s note can help if security staff have questions. If your itinerary includes long layovers, set reminders to maintain your daily schedule.

When packing, avoid pill organizers that might mix tablets with other products. A sealable bag around the bottle can reduce moisture exposure. If your trip spans time zones, consider a plan in advance with your clinician to maintain a consistent daily interval. As a micro trust cue, checkout is encrypted on our site; temperature-controlled handling when required is used for appropriate items.

Benefits

This class targets a known driver of tumor growth in eligible EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Once-daily oral dosing can simplify routines compared with infusions. Many patients appreciate at-home use and the ability to continue normal activities during therapy, with support from regular monitoring. Guidance on skin care, hydration, and diet may help manage tolerability.

For those comparing options or learning about Iressa tablets online, this page summarizes essentials to discuss with your care team. Coordinated testing, adherence tools, and early side effect reporting can help maintain continuity of care.

Side Effects and Safety

• Diarrhea
• Skin rash or acneiform rash
• Dry skin and itching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Mouth irritation
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis

Serious risks can include interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, liver injury, corneal disorders such as keratitis, gastrointestinal perforation, and bleeding events. Seek urgent care for sudden or worsening shortness of breath, persistent fever, severe eye pain or vision changes, or signs of liver problems like yellowing of the skin or dark urine. Your clinician will determine if therapy should be paused or stopped due to severe adverse reactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Some medicines can change how this treatment works. Strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin or St. John’s wort may lower effectiveness. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole can increase levels. Acid-reducing agents, including proton pump inhibitors, may reduce absorption and effectiveness. Warfarin and similar anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk; careful monitoring may be needed.

Tell your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Avoid grapefruit products. People with liver impairment may require closer monitoring. Report new or worsening respiratory symptoms promptly, because lung inflammation requires quick evaluation. Follow the official label for complete interaction details.

What to Expect Over Time

Skin changes and diarrhea may appear early and often improve with supportive care. Your clinician may arrange periodic blood tests and imaging to assess response and safety. Many people find that setting daily reminders and linking dosing to a regular routine supports consistent use. If side effects affect eating or hydration, simple adjustments and early communication can help.

Over the first weeks and months, your care team will focus on tolerability and signals of benefit. Expectations differ by individual, mutation subtype, and overall health. Ongoing evaluation helps determine whether to continue, adjust, or switch therapy based on results and safety.

Compare With Alternatives

Other targeted options exist and are chosen based on biomarkers and prior therapies. For EGFR-mutated NSCLC, many clinicians consider agents like Tagrisso® in specific settings. For tumors with a different driver, such as ALK, options like Xalkori may be used. Selection depends on test results, tolerance, and guidelines.

Immunotherapy may be appropriate in other contexts; you can read more in our article on Bavencio Avelumab. For broader background on targeted therapy, see Afinitor Uses and Cabometyx Treatment.

Pricing and Access

Many patients compare cash-pay options to manage budgets. Our listings reflect Canadian dispensing, with US shipping from Canada to your address after we confirm a valid prescription. Check current pricing on the product page to see strengths, pack sizes, and supply options. For estimates on copay vs. cash, your care team or pharmacy support can help you evaluate choices.

If you plan around Iressa 250 mg price, consider whether multi-bottle orders or coordinated refills reduce per-fill costs. We also post occasional offers on our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by manufacturer and market. If a specific pack size is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative within the same class or a different approach based on your mutation and history. Pharmacy teams will communicate options before any change and will only dispense with a verified prescription.

When reviewing offers or discussing Iressa discount online topics, confirm that the source uses licensed pharmacies and verifies prescriptions. You can also check our country attribute pages, such as Canada, for origin details.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates typically have an activating EGFR mutation and are able to take an oral regimen. People with significant eye disease, uncontrolled liver issues, or prior severe lung inflammation may not be suitable. Your clinician will consider drug interactions, pregnancy status, and personal goals when advising.

• Test confirmation: ensure an approved EGFR test guides selection.
• Daily routine: pick a consistent time and set reminders.
• Multi-month fills: discuss larger supplies to reduce per-fill costs.
• Refill planning: request refills several days in advance.
• Travel planning: pack enough for your full trip plus a few extra days.
• Supportive care: ask early about skin and GI symptom plans.

For budgeting, some patients explore Gefitinib self-pay options and charity programs. Others compare pharmacies for Canadian pricing for Iressa and consider timing refills to reduce courier fees. For prevention and wellness context, see our guide on Prevent Cancer Tips.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which EGFR mutation does my test show, and is this therapy appropriate?
• How will we monitor benefits and safety over the next few months?
• What skin and GI care strategies should I start today?
• Do any of my current medicines raise interaction risks?
• What should trigger a call if breathing or eye symptoms change?
• How should I plan dosing when traveling across time zones?
• What are my options if I cannot tolerate this treatment?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information (IRESSA)DailyMed: GefitinibHealth Canada DPD: Gefitinib

Ready to proceed with your prescription through Borderfreehealth? Place your order with prompt, express shipping. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice; always follow your clinician’s guidance and the official label.