Drug Notes - Afatinib (By mouth) | Lima Memorial Health System

Afatinib (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to afatinib, or if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If your next dose is more than 12 hours away, take your medicine as soon as you can. If your next dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and take a dose at the regular time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the medicine in its original container to protect from light and moisture.

Some medicines can affect how afatinib works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
- Amiodarone, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampicin, ritonavir, saquinavir, St John's wort, tacrolimus, or verapamil
- NSAID pain medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Steroid medicine

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Keep using birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, stomach or bowel problems, or other lung problems. Tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses or have a history of eye problems, such as keratitis or severe dry eyes.
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose of this medicine.
Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration or kidney damage if not treated
- Heart, liver, or lung problems
- Eye or vision problems
- Severe skin reaction
- Stomach perforation (hole in the stomach)
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Bloody, black, or tarry stools, severe stomach pain
Blurred vision, eye redness, irritation, swelling, or pain
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, painful urination
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs
Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that does not stop
Trouble breathing, chest pain, cough, fever
Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds

Last Updated: 9/6/2024