Afatinib
About Afatinib
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 Afatinib
Medicinal 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.
Directions for Use
- Afatinib 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 Afatinib.
Storage
Side Effects of Afatinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Diarrhoea (frequent or loose, watery stools)
- Skin rash, acne-like breakouts, or dry and itchy skin
- Mouth sores, redness, or painful ulcers
- Nail infections (redness, swelling, or pain around the fingernails or toenails)
- Loss of appetite, mild nausea, or vomiting
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe, continuous diarrhoea that leads to dehydration (feeling very dizzy, dry mouth, or dark urine)
- New or worsening breathing problems, sudden shortness of breath, cough, or fever
- Signs of liver damage, including yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe pain on the upper right side of your stomach
- Severe skin blistering, peeling, or painful red rashes
- Eye pain, swelling, redness, blurred vision, or severe sensitivity to light
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug 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 Afatinib 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 Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Afatinib:
- P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors: Medicines such as ketoconazole, erythromycin, or ritonavir can increase Afatinib 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 Afatinib levels, making the treatment less effective.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol consumption while taking Afatinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeAfatinib 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 Afatinib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Afatinib and for at least two weeks after your treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Afatinib is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAfatinib should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant.
Driving
unsafeDo 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 Afatinib.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Afatinib 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 Afatinib.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Afatinib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAfatinib is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
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.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests to monitor the function of the liver due to the use of Afatinib.
- Avoid being under the sun for a long time, as prolonged duration of sun exposure may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Lung cancer is defined as an Uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out normal lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. There are different forms of lung cancer. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
FAQs
Afatinib is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afatinib 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.
Afatinib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Afatinib only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
Afatinib 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 Afatinib 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.
Afatinib is an anti-cancer medication that belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afatinib 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, Afatinib 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 Afatinib, 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.
Afatinib 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 Afatinib, 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 Afatinib. 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 Afatinib. Lastly, be sure to avoid certain medications that may interact with Afatinib. Following these guidelines can ensure safe and effective treatment with Afatinib.
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 Afatinib 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.
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