What is Gefitinib used for?
EGFR-mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (locally advanced or metastatic)
A targeted therapy used for certain EGFR-positive non-small-cell lung cancers. Availability is reviewed case by case.
In simple terms
Gefitinib is a first-generation EGFR tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. It blocks the mutated EGFR signalling that drives certain lung cancers to grow, slowing or shrinking tumours in patients whose cancer carries the mutation.
Gefitinib at a glance
- Generic name
- Gefitinib
- Brand names
- Iressa, Geftinat, Gefticip
- Strengths
- 250 mg
- Dosage form
- Tablet
- Prescription
- Required
- Last medically reviewed
- 15 August 2026
A catalogue brand reference does not confirm the manufacturer, pack, source or availability for an individual enquiry. The dispensing location is confirmed only if an enquiry can proceed. Confirm any proposed substitution with the treating oncology team.
Cite this pageMedrack. Gefitinib: brand names, strengths and dosage form. https://medrack.health/products/gefitinib/. Last medically reviewed 15 August 2026.
How it may be prescribed
One 250 mg tablet once daily, with or without food, as directed by the treating oncologist. Taken continuously while it remains effective.
Possible side effects to discuss with the care team
- Acne-like rash and dry skin
- Diarrhoea
- Liver-enzyme changes (monitored)
- Rarely, lung inflammation - report new breathlessness urgently
Requires confirmed EGFR mutation and oncologist supervision with liver monitoring. Report sudden breathlessness or cough immediately (possible interstitial lung disease). Supplied only against a valid specialist prescription.
Common questions about Gefitinib
Is generic Gefitinib genuine medicine?
Yes. Medrack refers only licensed medicine from a controlled supply chain, either the originator brand or a licensed branded generic from an established manufacturer. It is not an unbranded or unverified copy. The exact brand, manufacturer and pack are confirmed at the enquiry stage, and any proposed medicine should be reviewed with the treating oncology team.
Gefitinib vs osimertinib - what is the difference?
Both target EGFR-mutant lung cancer. Gefitinib is a first-generation TKI with decades of use and very low generic cost; osimertinib is third-generation, covers the T790M resistance mutation and penetrates the brain, at higher cost. The choice belongs to your oncologist.
Can I enquire about Gefitinib for a parent or family member?
Yes. Many enquiries are sent by family members, including relatives who pay from abroad while the patient is at home. The prescription must be issued in the patient's name, and every case is assessed for the patient. The caregiver checklist in the guides section sets out what to have ready.
What should the prescription for Gefitinib show?
The medicine name, the strength and the form, for example Gefitinib 250 mg, written by the treating clinician in the patient's name. Keep a clear photo or copy of the whole prescription. The guide on reading a cancer medicine prescription explains each part in simple terms.
What happens after I send an enquiry?
The prescription and medicine details are checked first. If the enquiry can proceed, a referral with written terms is prepared for you to review. You confirm and pay only after you have seen those terms, and dispatch follows what they set out. Sending an enquiry does not create an order or confirm availability.
Is Gefitinib right for the patient's cancer?
That is a decision for the treating oncology team, not for this website. Medrack does not advise on treatment choice, dose or suitability, and nothing on this page is medical advice. Where Gefitinib has already been prescribed, this page explains the medicine and how to send an access enquiry.
Do I need a prescription for Gefitinib?
Yes. Gefitinib is a prescription medicine. You can start an enquiry before you have the prescription in hand, but nothing proceeds until a current prescription issued in the patient's name has been received and checked. You upload it privately as part of the enquiry.
What happens after you enquire
Every enquiry is assessed individually. A listing on this page does not confirm availability, a dispensing pharmacy or a delivery.
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You send an enquiry
Add the prescribed medicine and upload the current prescription. This records a request for assessment, not an order.
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We check the prescription
The medicine, prescription, patient details, destination and supporting documentation are reviewed case by case.
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We prepare a referral and written terms
Any proposal identifies the responsible dispensing party, the dispensing country, the total charges and the cancellation terms.
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You confirm and pay
Nothing proceeds until you accept the disclosed terms. Payment is requested only after that written summary has been provided.
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Dispatch and delivery
Dispatch and delivery dates are estimates. Timing can change with availability, documentation, customs or regulatory decisions outside our control.
Full detail is in delivery and fulfilment, order and fulfilment terms and cancellation and refunds.
Before you send an enquiry
These guides explain what to check and what to ask, so the enquiry arrives complete.
- How to read the medicine name on a cancer prescription A practical, non-medical guide for patients and caregivers who need to identify the medicine, strength and information needed for a prescription-led access request.
- What to ask the oncology team about a medicine A patient and caregiver checklist for discussing a prescribed oral cancer medicine with the treating oncology team.
- How to prepare a cancer medicine access request A simple checklist for patients and caregivers preparing a prescription-led medicine information or access request.
- A caregiver’s checklist for a cancer medicine request A practical checklist for a family member helping a patient ask a focused question about a prescribed cancer medicine.
