Product introduction
Afatin 20mg 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).
Afatin 20mg 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 Afatin Tablet
- Non-small cell lung cancer
Benefits of Afatin 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. Afatin 20mg 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 Afatin 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 Afatin
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- Nail disorder
How to use Afatin 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. Afatin 20mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
How Afatin Tablet works
Afatin 20mg 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 Afatin 20mg Tablet does not cause any harmful side effects.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Afatin 20mg 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
Afatin 20mg 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 Afatin 20mg 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
Afatin 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afatin 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Afatin 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afatin 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Afatin Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Afatin 20mg 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 Afatin 20mg Tablet for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer).
- Take Afatin 20mg Tablet on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
- Diarrhea is common with Afatin 20mg Tablet and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed.
- Afatin 20mg 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.
- Afatin 20mg 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.
- Afatin 20mg 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.
References:-
- Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Drug Registration (Specific Product):
- https://verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductsview.php?showdetail=®istration_number=DR-XY43779
- (Registration entry for Giotrif 20mg Tablet (Afatinib) in the Philippines FDA portal, 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 20mg dose form and recommending it for patients who require dose reduction or have severe renal impairment.)
- ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH Database) – Phase II Trial:
- https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02470065
- (Study record for the REMNANT trial, evaluating Afatinib’s use in the neoadjuvant setting for early-stage EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including the 40mg/day to 20mg/day reduction strategy.)
- 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.)
- ResearchGate – Review on Uncommon EGFR Mutations:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330965807_The_Impact_of_Afatinib_on_Survival_in_Advanced_Non-Small_Cell_Lung_Cancer_A_Meta-Analysis_of_Randomized_Controlled_Trials
- (Systematic review focusing on the efficacy of Afatinib in NSCLC, including uncommon EGFR mutations, which are often treated with reduced doses like 20mg or 30mg.)
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