Uses of Medicine:

Afatinib, supplied generically under the brand Afanat is the generic form of Gilotrif, a medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Manufactured/produced in India by Natco Pharma Ltd, Afanat (generic Afatinib) comes in 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg doses. This drug is a targeted therapy that works as both an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitor and a Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor. It’s prescribed for NSCLC that has spread to nearby tissues or for metastatic squamous NSCLC that has advanced following treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy.

 

Dosage & Side Effects:

The usual dose of Afanat (generic Afatinib) is 40 mg taken by mouth once a day. Continue taking it daily until your condition worsens or you can no longer tolerate the medication. Make sure to take Afanat at least 1 hour before eating or wait 2 hours after a meal before taking it. If you miss a dose, do not take it if your next dose is within 12 hours. Just skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your treatment with Afanat.

The most common side effects of Afatinib (occurring in 20% or more of patients) include diarrhea, skin rash or acne-like rash, mouth sores, inflammation around the nails, dry skin, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and itching.