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compositionComposition:AFATINIB-20MG
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Prescription Medicine
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Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It contains Afatinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps prevent the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce their further spread to other parts of the body.

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Written By Dr. Lakshmithulasi Yarragunta , PharmD (PB)
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
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More about the Product

Composition :

AFATINIB-20MG

Manufacturer/Marketer :

Admac Lifesciences(Oncology)

Consume Type :

Oral

Expires on or after :

Dec-28

Return Policy :

Not Returnable

About Afamac-20 Tablet 28's

This medicine is typically taken once daily, and you must take it consistently at the same time each day to ensure it works effectively. It is highly important to take this medication on an empty stomach, which means waiting at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after a meal. Making certain lifestyle adjustments, such as protecting your skin from the sun and staying well-hydrated, can significantly support your treatment journey.

While taking this medicine, you may experience common side effects like diarrhoea, skin rashes, and mouth sores. If you notice severe or persistent diarrhoea, sudden shortness of breath, or yellowing of your skin and eyes, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Before starting your treatment, inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of lung inflammation, liver issues, kidney problems, or heart conditions. Do not take this if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as this medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.

This medicine can interact with several other medications, as well as herbal supplements which can alter its levels in your blood. You should also avoid drinking alcohol during treatment to prevent putting extra strain on your liver. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals should consult their doctor for personalised medical guidance before starting.

Uses of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is used to treat specific types of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting abnormal proteins that drive cancer growth. Its approved uses include:

  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is used as a first-line treatment for patients whose lung cancer has spread to other parts of the body and possesses specific abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes.
  • Advanced Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: It is prescribed to treat advanced squamous cell lung cancer that has continued to progress during or after chemotherapy containing platinum.

Key Benefits

This medicine offers targeted action against cancer cells, providing specific benefits to help manage advanced stages of lung cancer:

  • Slows Tumour Growth: By directly blocking the proteins that signal cancer cells to multiply, it helps delay the progression and spread of the disease.
  • Manages Cancer Symptoms: By keeping the tumour in check, it can help relieve severe symptoms like chronic coughing or breathing difficulties, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.
  • Targeted Therapy Advantage: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, this treatment focuses on specific genetic markers, meaning it directly targets cancer cells while sparing many types of healthy cells.
Side effects of Afamac-20 Tablet
Here are the precise steps to cope with diarrhoea caused by medication usage:
  • Inform Your Doctor: Notify your doctor immediately about your diarrhoea symptoms. This allows them to adjust your medication or provide guidance on managing side effects.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost water and electrolytes. Choose water, clear broth, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages to effectively rehydrate your body.
  • Follow a Bland Diet: Eat easy-to-digest foods to help firm up your stool and settle your stomach. Try incorporating bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, plain crackers, and boiled vegetables into your diet.
  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of foods that can worsen diarrhoea, such as spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, high-fibre foods, and dairy products (especially if you're lactose intolerant).
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. To stay healthy, wash your hands frequently, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, and avoid exchanging personal belongings with others.
  • Take Anti-Diarrheal Medications: If your doctor advises, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide might help manage diarrhoea symptoms. Always follow your doctor's directions.
  • Keep track of your diarrhoea symptoms. If they don't get better or worse or are accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood, or dehydration signs (like extreme thirst or dark urine), seek medical help.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
  • Skin rash caused by allergies is due to irritants or allergens. Therefore, avoid contact with such irritants.
  • Consult your doctor for proper medication and apply an anti-itch medication. Follow the schedule and use the medication whenever needed.
  • Protect your skin from extreme heat and try to apply wet compresses.
  • Soak in the cool bath, which gives a soothing impact to the affected area.
  • Know your allergens that cause dermatitis and avoid them.
  • Use fragrance-free detergents and soaps.
  • Apply moisturizer after taking bath to retain moisture in the skin.
  • Apply cool, moist compresses to the rash.
  • Talk to your doctor about creams and ointments to manage your dermatitis.
  • Soak the infected nail in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, a few times a day.
  • Apply topical antibiotic ointment as advised by the doctor.
  • Avoid irritants and excessive moisture.
  • Apply moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing.
  • Use a moisturizer containing lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerine, hyaluronic acid or jojoba oil.
  • Do not use hot water for bathing. Instead use warm water and limit showers and bath to 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Apply a sunscreen with SPF-30 or higher.
  • Avoid harsh soaps, detergents and perfumes.
  • Do not scratch or rub the skin.
  • Drink adequate water to prevent dehydration.
  • Wear pants, full sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat while going out in the sun.
  • Consume more protein-rich foods and healthy fats like beans, avocados, cheese, nuts and lean meats to minimize appetite.
  • Prefer foods high in fiber to help feel full for a long time.
  • If you have decreased appetite, eat only when you are hungry.
  • Eat several small meals or snacks all day.
  • Try to take only small sips of fluids while eating.

Directions for Use

  • Afamac-20 Tablet 28's can be taken 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
  • It should usually be taken once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
  • Do not break, crush or chew Afamac-20 Tablet 28's.

How Afamac-20 Tablet 28's Works

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's contains afatinib, a kinase inhibitor that helps treat certain types of cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Afamac-20 Tablet 28's works by blocking the activity of ErbB receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which are found on the surface of certain cancer cells. These receptors normally send signals that encourage cancer cells to grow, divide, and spread. By blocking these signals, Afamac-20 Tablet 28's helps prevent cancer cells from multiplying. This action slows the growth and spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumours in cancers that have specific EGFR or related genetic changes. Together, these actions help slow cancer progression, control tumour growth, and improve treatment outcomes in eligible patients.
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Alcohol

Caution

Limit alcohol consumption while taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's.

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's and for at least two weeks after your treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is suggested.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant.

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Driving

Unsafe

Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs clear vision until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's.

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Liver

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. Hence, this medicine should be taken cautiously. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a liver problem, which may include yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling very tired while taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Afamac-20 Tablet 28's. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Children

Unsafe

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

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Heart

Consult your doctor

Please consult your doctor before receiving Afamac-20 Tablet 28's if you have pre-existing heart problems. Your doctor will prescribe Afamac-20 Tablet 28's if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Geriatrics

Consult your doctor

Please consult a doctor before administering Afamac-20 Tablet 28's to geriatric patients. Your doctor will prescribe Afamac-20 Tablet 28's if the benefits outweigh the risks.

What if I have taken an overdose of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's

If you take more than your prescribed dose, seek emergency medical help or contact a poison control centre immediately.

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or broth, throughout the day to prevent dehydration from potential diarrhoea.
  • Protect Your Skin: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear protective clothing when outdoors, as this medicine makes your skin highly sensitive to sunlight.
  • Practice Gentle Mouth Care: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid spicy, highly acidic, or extremely hot foods to reduce the risk of developing painful mouth sores.
  • Avoid Grapefruit: Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it can interfere with how your body processes the drug and increase the risk of side effects.
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Have a query?

How Soon It Starts Working

The time required for Afamac-20 Tablet 28's to start to work: Afamac-20 Tablet 28's ideally shows its action within 2 to 5 hours after administration. The time for which the effects of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's last: The effect of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's lasts for 18 to 40 hours.

What if you forget to take Afamac-20 Tablet 28's

If you miss a dose and your next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular daily schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Storage

•Store Afamac-20 Tablet 28's tablets in their original container at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Drug Warnings

  • Check the packaging before use: Do not take the tablet if the blister pack is torn, damaged, or pierced.
  • Be prepared to manage diarrhoea: Keep an anti-diarrhoeal medicine, such as loperamide, readily available if recommended by your doctor, and start taking it at the first sign of loose stools.
  • Use effective contraception: Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose, as Afamac-20 Tablet 28's can seriously harm an unborn baby.
  • Protect your skin from sunlight: Limit exposure to direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds during treatment. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Avoid driving if affected: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience blurred vision, dizziness, or extreme tiredness.

Drug-Drug Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

The following medicines may interact with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's:

  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors: Medicines such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, or ritonavir can increase Afamac-20 Tablet 28's levels in your blood, raising the risk of severe side effects.
  • P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inducers: Medicines such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, or herbal products can reduce Afamac-20 Tablet 28's levels, making the treatment less effective.
AfatinibLeflunomide
Severe

Drug-Drug Interactions

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AfatinibLeflunomide
Severe
How does the drug interact with Afamac-20 Tablet:
Taking leflunomide with Afamac-20 Tablet can increase the risk of liver problems.

How to manage the interaction:
Although there is an interaction between leflunomide and Afamac-20 Tablet, they can be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. However, consult a doctor if you experience fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Do not discontinue any medications without consulting a doctor.

Drug-Food Interactions

verifiedApollotooltip

The following foods or drinks may interact with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's:

  • Food: Taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's with food, particularly high-fat meals, can reduce its absorption. Always take it on an empty stomach.
  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: These may increase Afamac-20 Tablet 28's levels in your body, increasing the likelihood of side effects.
No Drug - Food interactions found in our database. Some may be unknown. Consult your doctor for what to avoid during medication.

Drug-Food Interactions

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All Substitutes & Brand Comparisons

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

[ANTINEOPLASTIC]

FAQs

Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's contains Afatinib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer, followed by coughing.
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Afamac-20 Tablet 28's only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is a chemotherapy drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is caused by an abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene or genes.
Take Afamac-20 Tablet 28's as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken without food on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is an anti-cancer medication that belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's may affect fertility, as suggested by animal studies indicating reduced fertility in both men and women. If you plan to become pregnant or father a child, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Yes, Afamac-20 Tablet 28's may be given along with chemotherapy in some instances, but only under the careful guidance of a doctor, who will determine its suitability based on the stage and severity of individual cancer.
If you miss a dose of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Afamac-20 Tablet 28's is specifically used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with certain genetic mutations (EGFR-positive). It is not a cure for all types of lung cancer.
When taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's, it's important to note that food can reduce the absorption of the medication, leading to lower blood levels and potentially reduced effectiveness. To minimize this effect, avoid eating for at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking Afamac-20 Tablet 28's. Additionally, limit your sun exposure and take sun protection measures, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. You should also quit smoking, limit alcoholic beverages and avoid St. John's Wort preparations altogether. Furthermore, use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy or fathering a child while using Afamac-20 Tablet 28's. Lastly, be sure to avoid certain medications that may interact with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's. Following these guidelines can ensure safe and effective treatment with Afamac-20 Tablet 28's.
To cope with diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids and eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid trigger foods that can irritate your stomach, and get plenty of rest to help your body recover. If needed, consider taking anti-diarrheal medications, but be sure to consult your doctor first. If your symptoms are severe, last over three days, or are accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, or any other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
The common side effects of Afamac-20 Tablet 28's may include diarrhoea, rash, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, mouth sores, nail inflammation, aches, cough, abdominal pain, and itching. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, this medicine can harm an unborn baby. You must use reliable birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Talk to your doctor to discuss safe family planning options.
No, you should swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet, as this can affect how the medicine is released into your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing tablets.
You will typically take this medicine for as long as it continues to control your cancer and you do not experience intolerable side effects. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular scans and check-ups. Talk to your doctor about your specific treatment plan.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dehydration, nausea, and can put extra strain on your liver. Talk to your doctor before consuming alcohol during treatment.
Some patients experience hair thinning or changes in hair texture while taking this medicine, though complete hair loss is less common. These changes are usually temporary. Talk to your doctor if you notice worrying changes to your hair or skin.
You should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays, as this medicine makes your skin highly sensitive to sunburn and rashes. If you go outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a high-SPF sunscreen. Talk to your doctor if you develop a severe sunburn or skin reaction.

Disclaimer

While we strive to provide complete, accurate, and expert-reviewed content on our 'Platform', we make no warranties or representations and disclaim all responsibility and liability for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the aforementioned content. The content on our platform is for informative purposes only, and may not cover all clinical/non-clinical aspects. Reliance on any information and subsequent action or inaction is solely at the user's risk, and we do not assume any responsibility for the same. The content on the Platform should not be considered or used as a substitute for professional and qualified medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any query pertaining to medicines, tests and/or diseases, as we support, and do not replace the doctor-patient relationship.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Sco 84, Sector 5, Panchkula (Haryana) 134112 India.
Other Info - AFA0019
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