Afatinib (By mouth)
a-FA-ti-nib
Treats cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Afatinib is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has already spread) non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC that has certain types of abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes in patients who have not received any treatments for cancer that has already spread to other parts of the body.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, afatinib is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, recurrent and/or metastatic disease, after receiving medicines containing platinum that did not work well.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If your next dose is more than 12 hours away, take your medicine as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, wait until then and skip the missed dose. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how afatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Amiodarone, cyclosporine, quinidine, St John’s wort, tacrolimus, verapamil Medicine to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampicin), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), or medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to afatinib, or you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Keep using birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose of this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, or lung disease. Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses or have a history of eye problems, such as keratitis, ulcerative keratitis, or severe dry eyes.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Diarrhea that can lead to dehydration or kidney damage if not treated Heart, liver, and lung problems Skin redness, rash, or acne, or dryness around your fingernails or toenails Vision changes or problems, such as eye pain or blurred visionThis medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision, eye redness, irritation, swelling, or pain
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, burning or painful urination
Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
Severe or ongoing diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Severe or ongoing skin blisters, peeling, swelling
Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever, or chills
Unusual tiredness or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Decreased appetite, weight loss
Mild acne, rash, itchy or dry skin
Nosebleeds
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Gilotrif
There may be other brand names for this medicine.