What not to eat with Iressa
Iressa (gefitinib) is a targeted drug commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. While you are taking Iressa, dietary and drug interactions may affect the effectiveness of the drug or increase side effects. In order to help patients better manage their medication, this article compiles the dietary taboos and precautions for Iressa and provides structured data for reference.
1. Basic information about Iressa

Iressa (gefitinib) is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the growth signals of tumor cells. Here is its basic information:
| Drug name | Indications | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Iressa (gefitinib) | non-small cell lung cancer | Rash, diarrhea, abnormal liver function |
2. Foods that cannot be eaten with Iressa
While taking Iressa, the following foods may interfere with drug absorption or aggravate side effects and should be avoided or limited:
| food category | specific food | potential impact |
|---|---|---|
| Grapefruit and products | Grapefruit, grapefruit juice | May increase drug concentration and worsen side effects |
| high fat food | Fried food, fatty meat | Affect drug absorption |
| irritating food | spicy food, alcohol | Aggravate gastrointestinal discomfort |
| caffeinated foods | Coffee, strong tea | May worsen diarrhea or heart palpitations |
3. Drug interactions of Iressa
In addition to food, certain drugs may also interact with Iressa, affecting its efficacy or safety:
| drug class | specific drugs | Interaction results |
|---|---|---|
| Strong inhibitor of CYP3A4 | Clarithromycin, Ketoconazole | Increase Iressa blood concentration |
| Strong CYP3A4 inducer | Rifampicin, phenytoin | Reduce Iressa plasma concentration |
| antacid medication | Omeprazole, aluminum hydroxide | Reduce Iressa absorption |
4. Dietary recommendations for taking Iressa
To maximize the effectiveness of Iressa and reduce side effects, it is recommended to follow the following dietary principles:
1.Light diet:Mainly foods that are easy to digest, such as porridge, noodles, steamed vegetables, etc.
2.Adequate hydration:Drink enough water (about 1.5-2 liters) every day to avoid dehydration.
3.High protein diet:Moderate intake of eggs, fish, soy products, etc. can help maintain physical strength.
4.Eat smaller meals more frequently:If you have a loss of appetite, you can eat in divided doses.
5. Other matters needing attention
1. Liver function should be monitored regularly while taking Iressa to avoid drinking alcohol which increases the burden on the liver.
2. If severe rash or diarrhea occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
3. Avoid sun exposure. Iressa may increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
4. The medication time should be fixed as much as possible. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach or 2 hours after a meal.
Summary
Proper management of diet and drug interactions is one of the keys to successful Iressa treatment. Patients should avoid grapefruit, fatty foods, and spicy foods, and be aware of drug-drug interactions. If you have any questions, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Through reasonable dietary adjustments and medication management, treatment effects can be improved and quality of life improved.
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