Brand Name:- Giotrif
Generic Name:- Afatinib
Manufacturer:- Boehringer Ingelheim
Dosage Form:- Tablets
Strength:- 20mg
Composition:- Afatinib
Packaging:- 30 tablets
Indication:- Non-small cell lung cancer
Storage:- Store medicine at room temperature.
Overview
Giotrif (Afatinib) medicine helps to treat and prevent the growth of non-small cell lung cancer. Afatinib belongs to a group of medicine called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which blocks proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells. This medicine comes in the form of tablets and is to be taken on an empty stomach. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) results from the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells in the lung. EGFR is a protein found on the surface of cancer cells that controls the development of cancerous cells. Dose administration is decided by your doctor.
Pharmacodynamics Of Giotrif (Afatinib)
Afatinib is a powerful and selective, irreversible ErbB family blocker. It irreversibly blocks signals from all homo heterodimers formed by the ErbB family members EGFR (ErbB1), ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4. The effect of this medicine can be observed within 2 to 5 hours after the oral administration.
Interactions
Interactions may change how your medication works and increase the risk for side effects. Discuss with your doctor about your previous medical history.
Medicine Interaction
- Cyclosporine
- Ritonavir
- Ketoconazole
- Lomitapide
- Efavirenz
- Mipomersen
- Leflunomide
Disease Interaction
- This medicine should be used with caution in patients who are suffering from lung disease. This medicine can worsen your condition. Please refer to your doctor in case of this.
- This medication may interact if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease. Your doctor will monitor you closely during the treatment with this drug.
Alcohol Interaction
- Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol.
Contraindications
- Giotrif tablets are not recommended for use in patients with known allergy to Afatinib.
- This medicine is contracted in patients with known hypersensitivity to Afatinib.
Side Effects Of Giotrif (Afatinib)
This medicine may cause some serious and unwanted side effects. Which requires immediate medical attention otherwise it can also lead to higher risk. Do not forget to discuss the risk and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
- Mouth sore
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Dry skin
- Infection
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
- Nose bleeds
- Muscle pain
- Change in taste
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Swelling around nails
- Acne
- Blurred vision
Serious Side Effects
- Severe diarrhea
- Skin reactions
- Liver problems
- Tiredness
- Yellowing of skin
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Dark or brown urine
- Heart problems
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of feet and legs
- Lung problems
- Trouble in breathing
- Cough
- Fever
Note- If any of these side effects occur, please contact your doctor
Dosage
Use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in the wrong way and make sure to take this medication according to your dosing schedule.
Missed Dose
- In case you missed a dose, immediately contact your doctor. Do not use extra medicine to double up for the missed dose.
Overdose
- Emergency medical treatment is required. Please contact your medical advisor in case of an overdose.
Usage Of Giotrif (Afatinib)
This medicine is prescribed to use in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Take this medicine orally once a day. This medicine should be taken at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after the meals. Do not stop the use of this medicine without taking permission from your doctor. Take this medicine as prescribed by your medical advisor. Try not to miss your regular dosing schedule. Protect this medicine from heat and light.
Warnings
Before starting treatment with the Giotrif tablet, do not forget to discuss your previous medical history with your doctor.
- Contraception
- Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
- Children and adolescents
- This medicine is not advisable for use in children and adolescents.
Warnings For Female
- Pregnancy
- Giotrif tablets shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant. It is recommended that this medication should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless it is necessary. Please consult your doctor.
General Warning And Precautions
- This medicine should be used with caution because it may increase the risk of skin reactions.
- Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen during treatment with this medicine.
- This medication may increase the risk of severe diarrhea and renal impairment.
- This medication increases the risk of lung disorders like shortness of breath etc.
- Close monitoring of liver function is required during the treatment with this medicine.
- This medication may cause eye problems such as – pain in the eyes, blurred vision, tearing.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
Cautions
- Do not crush, chew, or break the medicine.
- May harm liver
- Not safe for pregnant women
- Do not drive if you experience dizziness.
- May cause rash or skin irritation
