Afatinib tablets
Afatinib tablets
What is this medicine?
AFATINIB (a FA ti nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
How should I use this medicine?
Take by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
bloody or black tarry stools
eye irritation
eye pain
fever
mouth sores
problems related to breathing including shortness of breath or cough
redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
severe stomach pain
spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
acne
diarrhea
dry skin
itching
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
weak or tired
weight loss
What may interact with this medicine?
amiodarone
carbamazepine
certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole
cyclosporine A
erythromycin
grapefruit juice
nelfinavir
phenobarbital
phenytoin
quinidine
rifampicin
ritonavir
saquinavir
St. John's wort
tacrolimus
verapamil
What if I miss a dose?
Take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 12 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
eye disease, vision problems, or if you wear contact lenses
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease
stomach or intestine problems
an unusual or allergic reaction to afatinib, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment unless your doctor tells you to stop. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider: eye irritation; rash; severe or continuing diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, or vomiting; or if your breathing gets worse or you develop shortness of breath or cough.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 2 weeks after the last dose.
Updated:  
March 15, 2020