Gilotrif (Afatinib) 30mg – 28 Tablets box

Description

What is Gilotrif?

Gilotrif (Afatinib) 30mg is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Afatinib is used for this condition only if your tumor has a specific genetic marker for which your doctor will test.

How it works

Afatinib belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Afatinib targets certain proteins called EGF receptors within NSCLC cells. This action stops the cancer from growing and spreading.

Gilotrif side effects

Gilotrif oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Gilotrif can include:

• decreased appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• mouth sores
• acne
• itchiness
• rash
• dry skin
• nail infection

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Severe diarrhea
• Skin reactions, such as blistering or peeling
• Lung or breathing problems. Symptoms can include:
  • trouble breathing or shortness of breath
  • cough
  • fever
• Liver problems. Symptoms can include:
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • dark or brown urine
  • pain in the upper right side of your abdomen (stomach area)
  • bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • tiredness
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). Symptoms can include:
  • eye pain, swelling, redness, or tearing
  • blurred vision
  • sensitivity to light
• Heart problems. Symptoms can include:
  • new or worsening shortness of breath
  • cough
  • tiredness
  • swelling of your feet, ankles, or legs
  • pounding or fast heartbeat
  • sudden unexpected weight gain

How to take afatinib

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Dosage for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

Brand: Gilotrif

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Typical dosage: 40 mg taken once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

This medication has not been studied in children. It should not be used in children younger than 18 years of age.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney problems: The typical recommended dosage is 30 mg taken once per day.