Gefitinib

The Basics

What is Gefitinib?

Used to treat lung cancer.

Brand names for Gefitinib

Iressa

How Gefitinib is classified

Antineoplastic Agents, Enzyme Inhibitors, Protein Kinase Inhibitors, Signal Transduction Inhibitors, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Gefitinib During Pregnancy

Gefitinib pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Gefitinib while pregnant

N/A

Taking Gefitinib While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gefitinib?

No information is available on the clinical use of gefitinib during breastfeeding. Because gefitinib is 90% bound to plasma proteins, the amount in milk is likely to be low. However, its half-life is about 48 hours and it might accumulate in the infant. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during gefitinib therapy.

Maternal / infant drug levels

No information is available on the clinical use of gefitinib during breastfeeding. Because gefitinib is 90% bound to plasma proteins, the amount in milk is likely to be low. However, its half-life is about 48 hours and it might accumulate in the infant. The manufacturer recommends that breastfeeding be discontinued during gefitinib therapy.

Possible effects of Gefitinib on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Gefitinib

None listed