AFANAT 40 contains Afatinib which belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastic agents. It is indicated for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adult patients with non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations either as a first line therapy or if prior chemotherapy treatment has been insufficient. It can also be used to treat metastatic squamous NSCLC if prior chemotherapy treatment has been insufficient.
Afatinib works by inhibiting the activity of various proteins (including EGFR, HER2 and HER4) involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. AFANAT 40 must be taken without meals. It should be taken preferably 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon the severity of the disease. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are nausea, vomiting, indigestion, mouth sores, dry skin, itching and weight loss. Contact your doctor if any of the symptoms bothers you.
Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have or had any lung, liver, kidney or heart problems. Proper dose titrations and careful monitoring are required in such patients. Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine, because it may harm your unborn fetus. Also, consult your doctor for advice after taking the last dose of this medicine, if you are planning to become pregnant, because your body may not have fully eliminated this medicine. This medicine is strictly not recommended for use in lactating mothers and in children (under 18 years). Consult your doctor before taking.
Afatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It acts by inhibiting the activity of various proteins (including EGFR, HER2 and HER4) involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. As a result, it causes downregulation of these protein signaling and inhibits autophosphorylation and proliferation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressing cancer cells.
Take AFANAT 40 as directed by your physician. It must be taken without meals either 1 hour before or 3 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine as whole with a sip of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon the severity of your disease. Continue to take this medicine, as long as your doctor tells you to do so, to obtain better results.
Nausea or vomiting:
This side effect is more common while taking chemotherapy and it is nothing to worry about. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food. Contact your doctor if it really bothers you.
Diarrhea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or juice, to avoid dehydration. Do not take any medicines without speaking to a doctor.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. You can eat and drink slowly or have smaller and frequent meals. Keeping a heat pad on your stomach may also help. If still pain persists, speak to your doctor.
Skin drying or itching:
Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Regularly use moisturizers to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If the symptom still persists, contact your doctor.
Decreased appetite:
Eat when you are hungry. Try to eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Always try to have a nutritious snack that is high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
AFANAT 40 is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide whether you should continue the treatment or not.
Do not take AFANAT 40 if you are breast-feeding. Consult your doctor for advice.
Do not drive or operate any machines if your ability is affected by this medicine.
Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine.
AFANAT 40 should be taken with caution in patients with kidney problems. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
AFANAT 40 is not recommended for use in patients having liver disease. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Afatinib.
AFANAT 40 should be taken with caution in patients having a history of lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease). Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
AFANAT 40 should be taken with caution in patients with a history of heart problems. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Before taking AFANAT 40, inform your doctor if you:
Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,
Drug | : | Afatinib |
Pharmacological Category | : | Antineoplastic agent, Tyrosine kinase inhibitor, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
Store below 20-25°C and keep out of reach of children.
Is AFANAT 40 a chemotherapy?
However, this medicine does not belong to conventional chemotherapy, it is also an anticancer agent used to treat NSCLC in adults.
What happens if I forget to take AFANAT 40?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember until it is time for your next dose. At any cause, do not take a double dose to make up a forgotten dose.
How long should I take AFANAT 40?
You should continue to take this medicine as long as your doctor tells you to do so. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly as it may reduce its effectiveness. Your doctor will decide the duration of the therapy depending upon the severity of the disease.
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