Other Brand Names

Giotrif.

How It Works

Afatinib is a kinase inhibitor used to block the action of specific natural substances that cancer cells require to grow and multiply.

Indications

Afatinib is primarily used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body.

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to afatinib.

• Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while taking afatinib and for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Consult your doctor about birth control options during treatment. If you become pregnant while on afatinib, contact your doctor immediately, as the drug can harm the fetus.

• Breastfeeding women. You should not breastfeed while taking afatinib.

Side Effects

• Common side effects include canker sores, sore, red, or swollen lips, dry or itchy skin, acne, nosebleeds, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

• Diarrhea is the most common side effect. Drink plenty of fluids as advised by your doctor to avoid dehydration. Your doctor may prescribe anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide to help control symptoms. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent diarrhea, and symptoms of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

• Other serious side effects to be aware of are eye problems (e.g., vision issues, red or painful eyes, sensitivity to light, eye discharge), low potassium levels (e.g., muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat), bladder infections (e.g., burning or pain during urination, frequent urination, fever), and skin infections around the nails (e.g., skin irritation or redness around nails, changes in nail color).

• Seek immediate medical help if you experience serious side effects such as symptoms of respiratory problems (e.g., trouble breathing, chest pain), and symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, swelling in the feet or ankles, unusual tiredness, sudden weight gain).

Types

Afatinib is available in film-coated tablets.

Dosage

The recommended starting dose for adults is 40 mg once daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. If tolerated, the dosage may be increased to 50 mg daily.

Safety

• Afatinib can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen while outdoors. Sun exposure may increase the risk of developing a rash or acne while you're on treatments..
• Afatinib may cause blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery, or performing any activity requiring clear vision, until you are certain you can do so safely.

Drug Interactions

• Increased afatinib blood levels may occur if taken with strong P-GP inhibitors, such as ritonavir, ciclosporin A, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, quinidine, tacrolimus, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and amiodarone.

• Decreased afatinib blood levels may occur when taken with potent P-GP inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital.

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