Afatinib
Generic name: afatinib
Brand name: Gilotrif
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors
What is afatinib?
Afatinib is a cancer drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-positive, which means that it is caused by an abnormal EGFR gene or genes.
The EGFR protein is found on the surface of cells and helps them to grow, but when the gene for EGFR is defective or abnormal cells can grow out of control causing cancer.
Afatinib belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by irreversibly blocking EGFR.
Afatinib helps to stop or slow the spread of cancer and may help people with EGFR-positive NSCLC live longer. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2013.
What is Afatinib used for?
Afatinib is a prescription medicine that is used to treat people with NSCLC that:
- has certain (non-resistant) abnormal EGFR gene(s). Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that afatinib is right for you.
- has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), and
- has not been previously treated for metastatic lung cancer
It is not known if afatinib is safe and effective in treating people with lung cancer that has resistant abnormal EGFR genes.
or
is used to treat people with squamous cell lung cancer that:
- has spread to other parts of the body, and
- has been previously treated with chemotherapy that contains platinum.
It is not known if afatinib is safe and effective in children.
What should I tell my doctor before taking afatinib?
Before you take afatinib, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- have kidney or liver problems
- have lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer
- have a history of an ulcer, a tear (perforation) in your stomach or intestine, or diverticular disease (inflammation) in parts of your large intestine. See “What are the side effects of afatinib?” below
- have a history of severe dry eye or any other eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you wear contact lenses.
- have heart problems
How should I take afatinib?
- Take afatinib exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how many afatinib tablets to take and when to take them. Do not change your dose or stop afatinib unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
- Take afatinib on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of afatinib, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 12 hours of your next dose, skip the dose and just take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of afatinib at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
If you take too much afatinib, call your healthcare provider ...
