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Do you have any medicine knowledge with Gefitinib for cancer treatment?

My friend's father is in pretty bad situation. He has been tortured by lung tumor. Now the tumor also attacks his gullet. Eating is such a difficulty. Moreover, this is NOT the only problem at this moment, but also the payment for the medecine. I wish people with professional knowledge can help. The prescription from doctor is Iressa made by Astrazeneca pharm.. However, it is just too expensive, about over 16,000 RMB per month. It is about 1600 Euro, which is sky price for ordinary Chinese family. My friend find alternative of Iressa of Astrazeneca for his father. It is called Gefitnib Tablets, made by Natco in India. However, here comes another problem. Gefitnib is not sold in Chinese market, not officially. Doctor does not have much comments on it. What is your opinion? Do you think it can function as Iressa? It is only 200 Euro per month. This is affortable for this family, which might be the only opportunity for them. Thanks!! Iressa is not covered by general social heath insurance in China. That causes my question. Thanks. Million thanks to Panda! Your experience and information is really helpful. Both my friend and me are grateful!

Public Comments

1. In the US gefitinib is marketed as Iressa, but is no longer recommended for new patients with lung cancer. Only patients who have had prior response are recommended to keep taking it. There are newer medications. http://www.fda.gov/CDER/DRUG/infopage/gefitinib/default.htm http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Biologicaltherapies/Cancergrowthinhibitors/Gefitinib Please read over some information found at Medline Plus: Lung cancer http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lungcancer.html Best to you as you seek help for your friends father.