Afayro 40mg Tablet (Afatinib)

Afayro 40mg Tablet is a targeted anticancer medicine. It is prescribed to treat non-small cell lung cancer in adult patients who have certain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. It contains afatinib as an active ingredient that belongs to the class of medications known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the EGFR proteins that send growth signals for the multiplication of cancer cells. By blocking this protein, the medicine slows down or stops the growth and spread of cancer cells.

The tablet is taken orally and exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The tablet must be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. It is usually taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food. Afatinib 40mg Tablet is given once daily, and a doctor decides the dose and timings according to the patient's condition, combination therapy, clinical response, and stage of cancer. Patients are advised not to change the dosage because it can lead to severe side effects.

Common side effects include diarrhea, skin rash, acne-like skin eruptions, dry skin, mouth sores, nail problems, itching, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and nosebleeds. A few patients can undergo severe side effects, including severe skin blistering or peeling, difficulty breathing or worsening cough, liver problems, severe abdominal pain and eye pain. Most of the Afatinib 40mg Tablet side effects tend to resolve when the body adapts to the medicine. However, if any side effects persist, inform your doctor immediately.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby, so women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should consult their doctor. Breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment. Patients must list all medicines, supplements, and herbal products that they are taking. The Afatinib 40mg Tablet must be used under medical oversight or medical supervision only. Attend regular tests and follow-ups to monitor the medicine's response and reduce side effects. Before making any adjustments, changing the dose, or stopping the treatment, consult with your doctor to maximize the benefit.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Every medicine has some side effects that resolve on their own as your body gets used to the medicine, but some people may rarely experience severe side effects. In that case, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.

Some common side effects of Afayro 40mg Tablet (Afatinib 40mg) include:
● Diarrhea
● Rash
● Dry skin
● Nausea
● Vomiting
● Loss of appetite
● Itching
● Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth)
● Nail disorder

The dosage and duration of the Afayro 40mg Tablet (Afatinib 40mg) are decided by the doctor based on the type & stage of cancer and other health factors. Take this tablet on an empty stomach for better results. Before starting this medicine, please inform your doctor about your medical history. If you experience any unmanageable side effects while taking this medication, do not ignore those symptoms because they may lead to a higher risk.

● Dungo, R. T., & Keating, G. M. (2013). Afatinib: first global approval. Drugs, 73(13), 1503-1515.
● Keating, G. M. (2016). Afatinib: a review in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Targeted oncology, 11(6), 825-835.
● Wecker, H., & Waller, C. F. (2018). Afatinib. Small Molecules in Oncology, 199-215.
● Modjtahedi, H., Cho, B. C., Michel, M. C., & Solca, F. (2014). A comprehensive review of the preclinical efficacy profile of the ErbB family blocker afatinib in cancer. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology, 387(6), 505-521.
● Keating, G. M. (2014). Afatinib: a review of its use in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Drugs, 74(2), 207-221.