Afatinib
About
Afatinib is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is a common form of lung cancer in which abnormal cells grow in the lung tissues. Afatinib is used as a first-line therapy in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and in patients with metastatic, squamous NSCLC progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Afatinib 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 stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body.
Afatinib may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, mouth sores, nail inflammation, ache, 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. Afatinib should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Your doctor will decide the dose of Afatinib based on the severity of your condition.
Avoid taking Afatinib if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking Afatinib, inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, eye problems, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Elderly people are more sensitive to medicine, so the dose may have to be adjusted according to their condition.
Uses of Afatinib
Medicinal Benefits
Afatinib contains Afatinib, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, Afatinib stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Afatinib
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Itching or skin rash
- Mouth sores
- Cough
- Nail inflammation
- Visual disturbances
- Abdominal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Afatinib for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Afatinib if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, eye problems, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, severe cough, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Afatinib may cause severe diarrhea, Bullous and exfoliative skin disorder, hepatotoxicity, Interstitial lung disease, and keratitis in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Afatinib. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause visual disturbances. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Afatinib may have interaction with P-gp (P-glycoprotein) inhibitors (amiodarone, clarithromycin, ciclosporin, colchicine, diltiazem, erythromycin, felodipine, ketoconazole), P-gp inducers (carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, ritonavir, phenobarbitone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, vision problems, breathing problems, or heart problems.
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
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
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 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.
