Uses of Afatinib

Afatinib is used as a first line of treatment in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung tumour (NSCLC) whose tumors have non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations (genetic mutation) in tumor cells which can be detected by FDA-approved test.

It is also used to treat metastatic squamous non-small cell lung tumour (NSCLC) in patients who might had some progress with platinum-based chemotherapy (drug therapy used to treat non-small cell lung tumour).

Therapeutic Category

Afatinib: Kinase inhibitors

How Afatinib works

Afatinib works by blocking the activity of a group of proteins called ErbB1, ErbB2 (HER2), ErbB3 and ErbB4 in the tumour cells which are required for the growth and spread of tumour cells that gets inhibited resulting in the inhibited growth and spread of the tumour cells.

Common side effects of Afatinib

• Diarrhea
• Skin reactions such as dry skin, skin rash, itching, lip inflammation
• Runny nose
• Dry eye
• Mouth sores and inflammation
• Nail infection
• Reduced desire to eat (decreased appetite)
• Bleeding from nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain, redness, swelling or peeling of skin of your hands and feet
• Frequent burning sensation during urination, urgent need to urinate (cystitis)
• Abnormal taste sensation (dysgeusia)
• Stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn
• Weight loss
• Muscle spasms
• Fever

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Diarrhea for more than 2 days or severe diarrhea leading to fluid loss in the body
• Skin reactions such as redness, rash, and acne
• Signs of lung or breathing problems due to inflammation of the lungs (trouble breathing or shortness of breath, cough, or fever)
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea colored) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling very tired)
• Signs of eye problems (eye pain, swelling, redness, or tearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, other changes in your vision)
• Signs of heart problems (new or worsening shortness of breath while at rest or with activity, cough, tiredness, swelling of your ankles, feet, or legs (edema), feeling your heart to be pounding or racing (palpitations), sudden weight gain)

Health Tips for Afatinib

• Afatinib is typically taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Do not adjust the dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor, as doing so can impact its effectiveness
• Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages, and consider avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dehydration
• Eating a well-balanced diet can help support your overall health and immune system
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Afatinib and affect its metabolism, potentially leading to increased side effects
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements and herbal remedies you are taking
• Afatinib is not recommended for use in pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women