Product introduction
Afanat 40 Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in the treatment of adult patients who have certain mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Afanat 40 Tablet should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, rash, dry skin, and nausea. Diarrhea can be serious sometimes so take medicine to treat it as prescribed by the doctor or stay hydrated. Your doctor may advise for some blood tests while you are taking this medicine. It may also make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight. Inform your doctor if you notice pain or redness in the eye or dry eye.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if have a breathing problem, liver, or kidney problems, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
Uses of Afanat Tablet
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Benefits of Afanat Tablet
In Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Afanat 40 Tablet helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Side effects of Afanat Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Afanat
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- Nail disorder
How to use Afanat Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Afanat 40 Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
How Afanat Tablet works
Afanat 40 Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. It works by binding and inhibiting the enzyme receptors (EGFR, HER2, and HER4) that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Hence, resulting in the downregulation of signaling pathways. This is how it to stop or slow the spread of cancer.
Safety advice
Alcohol
SAFE
Consuming alcohol with Afanat 40 Tablet does not cause any harmful side effects.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Afanat 40 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Afanat 40 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Afanat 40 Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Afanat 40 Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afanat 40 Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Afanat 40 Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afanat 40 Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Afanat Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Afanat 40 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick tips
- You have been prescribed Afanat 40 Tablet for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer).
- Take Afanat 40 Tablet on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
- Diarrhea is common with Afanat 40 Tablet and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed.
- Afanat 40 Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight.
- Afanat 40 Tablet can cause redness, rash, and acne. Get treatment for skin reactions as soon as you notice them.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Afanat 40 Tablet is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
- Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn’t stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
- It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
- Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
FAQs
Is Afanat 40 Tablet an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?
Afanat 40 Tablet is neither an immunotherapy nor a conventional chemotherapy. It belongs to kinase inhibitors class of anti-cancer medicines. It works by blocking a group of proteins. These proteins are known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking the activity of these proteins, Afanat 40 Tablet stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
How long does it take for Afanat 40 Tablet to work?
The peak levels of Afanat 40 Tablet are reached 2-5 hours after taking it. However, it may take weeks or months to see a noticeable change in the progression of cancer. The symptoms may improve visibly, but the effectiveness of Afanat 40 Tablet can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.
How should I take Afanat 40 Tablet?
Afanat 40 Tablet is taken by mouth without food, at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Swallow the complete tablet with water without crushing or breaking it. Take this medicine once daily at about the same time each day. This will make it easier to remember to take this medicine. If you have difficulty in swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of water. Do not use any other liquid instead of water. Drop the tablet into the water without crushing it and stir occasionally for up to 15 minutes until the tablet is broken up into very small particles. Drink the liquid straight away. Then refill the glass with water and drink it to make sure all medicine is taken.
Does Afanat 40 Tablet have any effect on fertility?
Afanat 40 Tablet may decrease fertility in both men and women Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding fertility, talk to your doctor who might suggest sperm or egg preservation before starting treatment.
Can Afanat 40 Tablet be given along with chemotherapy?
There are no supporting studies to suggest that Afanat 40 Tablet can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines. Afanat 40 Tablet is used to treat specific type of lung cancer when the prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.
Can Afanat 40 Tablet cure lung cancer?
No, Afanat 40 Tablet cannot cure lung cancer, but it prolongs the survival of the patient. It may also reduce the size of the tumor.
What should I avoid while taking Afanat 40 Tablet?
You should avoid sun exposure as Afanat 40 Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. You may get a severe sunburn or may develop rash or acne or it may get worsened. Therefore, use sunscreen and wear a hat before moving out in the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to go out in the sun.
Can I do something if I get diarrhea due to Afanat 40 Tablet?
Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Afanat 40 Tablet. Severe diarrhea can cause excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) and kidney problems that can sometimes lead to death. Start drinking plenty of fluids at the first signs of diarrhea and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will start the appropriate antidiarrheal treatment (e.g. loperamide) as soon as possible. The doctor may also reduce your dose or discontinue the therapy if you develop severe diarrhea.
References:-
- Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Drug Registration (Specific Product):
- https://verification.fda.gov.ph/med_cancerview.php?showdetail=&id=841
- (Registration entry for Afatinib (As Dimaleate) 30mg Film-Coated Tablet, confirming local approval and generic name.)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Drug Label (Gilotrif/Afatinib):
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/201292s014lbl.pdf
- (FDA label confirming the 30mg dose form and recommending it for Severe Renal Impairment, and as a dose reduction step.)
- NIH – PubMed Central (PMC) – Clinical Trial Review (Survival Data):
- https://www.jcancer.org/v10p0885
- (Meta-analysis confirming Afatinib significantly prolonged Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) in advanced NSCLC patients.)
- NIH – PubMed Central (PMC) – Real-World Dosing/Efficacy Study:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9264103/
- (A study discussing the use of Afatinib 30mg and its efficacy in various EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinomas, supporting the use of adjusted dosing.)
- ResearchGate – Review on Dose Reduction & Toxicity:
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2217/lmt-2019-0004
- (Phase IV study discussing the use of Afatinib (including the 30mg dose) in second-line NSCLC, and the strategy of dose reduction to manage toxicity without compromising efficacy.)
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