Gilotrif

What is Gilotrif?

Gilotrif, a cancer medication, interferes with cancer cell growth and spread in the body. The Gilotrif drug is used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer that have spread to other areas of the body. This drug is only used if the tumor contains a genetic marker that your doctor tests. Gilotrif can also be used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread into other parts of the human body after other cancer medicines have failed to work.

Warnings

Use sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize sun exposure while taking Gilotrif. Gilotrif can cause diarrhea in almost all patients. Dehydration and kidney impairment can occur with severe diarrhea. If you have severe diarrhea or if it lasts longer than two days, call your doctor. If you have any of the following symptoms: eye pain, swelling or redness, blurred sight, or other changes in vision, call your doctor immediately. If you notice any of these symptoms: shortness of breath or intolerance to exercise, new or worsening cough, fatigue or swelling in the legs or ankles, palpitations, or sudden weight gain, call your doctor immediately.

Before you take this drug

Gilotrif should not be used if you have an allergy to afatinib.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Gilotrif will be safe for you:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Other lung diseases or breathing problems other than cancer
• If you have vision problems or very dry eyes,

Gilotrif can harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using effective birth control while taking this medication and for 2 weeks following your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.

How to take Gilotrif?

Gilotrif should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will order a blood test in order to determine if afatinib would be the best treatment for you. Take Gilotrif once daily. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or take over the recommended dosage or for longer than advised. Gilotrif should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Gilotrif may cause severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and even death. You may receive medications to treat or prevent diarrhea. You may be advised by your doctor to keep loperamide, also known as Imodium (Imodium), on hand at all times when you are taking Gilotrif. Follow the directions on the bottle or the doctor's prescription.

If you have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than two days, call your doctor. You may be required to temporarily stop taking the medicine. You may need to have frequent blood tests while using Gilotrif. Keep the original container of the tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light. When not in use, keep the bottle tightly shut. Do not use any tablets after the expiration date.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for non-small cell lung cancer:
Once daily, 40 mg until the disease progresses or if intolerance is experienced by the patient.
Comments:
Take on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
Prior to initiating therapy, it is important to determine the EGFR mutation status.
Do not take the missed dose less than 12 hours before the next dose.
Uses:
Metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations: As a first-line therapy for patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors contain non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as detected by standardized tests
Metastatic Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): To treat patients with metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as you remember to do so, take any medications missed by mistake immediately.If your next dose will be within 12 hours, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Afatinib can cause you to sunburn more easily. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight.Outdoors, it is wise to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher. This medicine may pass into bodily fluids (urine, feces, or vomit). Rubber gloves should be worn by caregivers when cleaning up body fluids from a patient, changing diapers, or handling contaminated laundry or trash. Hands should be washed before and after gloves are removed. Separately, wash soiled linens and clothing.

Side effects of Gilotrif

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop using Gilotrif immediately and contact your doctor.

• If you have a new or worsening cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, please consult your doctor.
• Diarrhea that is severe or persistent (lasting more than 2 days);
• Skin reaction that results in blistering and peeling.
• Pain, redness, numbness, and peeling of the skin on the hands or feet
• Blisters or ulcers on your lips, red or swollen gingivae, difficulty swallowing
• Eye problems: eye pain, redness or swelling, blurred vision, watery eyelids, feeling that something is inside your eye, increased light sensitivity;
• Liver problems: abdominal pain (upper right), easy bleeding or bruising, fatigue, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and jaundice.
• Heart problem: fluttering or pounding of the heart, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or ankles, and rapid weight gain.

Gilotrif may cause side effects such as:

• Mild diarrhea lasting one day or less
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
• Mouth sores;
• Itching and acne are two common symptoms of dry skin.
• You may notice redness, swelling, or pain around your toenails or fingernails.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. Afatinib may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.