Gefitinib: An Adverse Effects Profile

Gefitinib, used for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, has common adverse effects including rash, diarrhea, acne, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting, which are generally mild-to-moderate and do not necessitate stopping treatment. These side effects tend to be dose-related, with more severe grade 3 – 4 effects occurring at doses above 250 mg/day. A particularly serious side effect is interstitial lung disease (ILD), with a global incidence of approximately 1%, but higher in Japan at 2%. ILD can be fatal in about 33% of cases. Unlike chemotherapy, gefitinib does not commonly cause myelosuppression or alopecia.