IRESSA
Used for Cancer
NowPatient helps you obtain your IRESSA prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by AstraZeneca
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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IRESSA key facts
What is IRESSA?
IRESSA is the brand name for gefitinib and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is IRESSA available in?
IRESSA is available as a 250 mg oral tablet.
What is IRESSA used for?
IRESSA is an EGFR inhibitor that is used to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific EGFR mutations.
How does IRESSA work?
IRESSA targets and blocks certain proteins from attaching to a specific receptor called EGFR. When it blocks EGFR, cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
How do I take IRESSA?
IRESSA is typically taken as 250 mg by mouth once a day.
Is it safe for me to take IRESSA?
IRESSA is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
IRESSA Common Side Effects
Common side effects of IRESSA:
- Rash, acne, and other skin reactions
- Labs suggesting liver irritation
- Build up of protein in the urine
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lower appetite
IRESSA Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with IRESSA. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious lung problems: sudden cough, fever, and difficulty breathing
- Damage to the gut: fevers, chills, nausea, vomiting, feeling bloated, intense stomach pain
Serious skin reactions: painful blisters, skin wounds, peeling skin - Serious liver problems: upper stomach pain, yellow skin, yellow around the whites of the eyes
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on IRESSA
The following medications may interact with IRESSA:
- Substances that are inducers of CYP3A4 activity increase the metabolism of gefitinib and decrease its plasma concentrations. In patients receiving a potent CYP3A4 inducer such as rifampicin or phenytoin, a dose increase to 500 mg daily should be considered in the absence of severe adverse drug reaction, and clinical response and adverse events should be carefully monitored
- International Normalized Ratio (INR) elevations and/or bleeding events have been reported in some patients taking warfarin while on IRESSA therapy. Patients taking warfarin should be monitored regularly for changes in prothrombin time or INR
- Substances that are potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 activity (eg, ketoconazole and itraconazole) decrease gefitinib metabolism and increase gefitinib plasma concentrations. This increase may be clinically relevant as adverse experiences are related to dose and exposure; therefore caution should be used when administering CYP3A4 inhibitors with IRESSA
Who makes IRESSA?
AstraZeneca
Is IRESSA safe in pregnancy?
Talk with your provider if you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant. IRESSA hasn’t been well-studied in human pregnancies, but animal studies show that IRESSA might cause harm to an unborn baby. If you’re a female who’s able to have babies, you should use birth control while taking IRESSA and for at least two weeks after the last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant while taking IRESSA.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my IRESSA prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your IRESSA prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient IRESSA savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient IRESSA savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for IRESSA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for IRESSA | IRESSA Drug Coupon* | IRESSA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of IRESSA?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for IRESSA | Canadian Prescription Savings* for IRESSA | IRESSA Drug Coupon* | IRESSA Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the IRESSA savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the IRESSA drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for IRESSA, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the IRESSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, IRESSA is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed IRESSA for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the IRESSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the IRESSA prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for IRESSA
If you are having trouble paying for your IRESSA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for IRESSA you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- IRESSA is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers IRESSA
- If IRESSA is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for IRESSA
If you are having trouble paying for your IRESSA medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for IRESSA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers IRESSA
- If IRESSA is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for IRESSA
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your IRESSA treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for IRESSA you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for IRESSA
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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