Gilotrif

The active ingredient in Gilotrif is afatinib. Certain kinds of NSCLC are characterised by alterations (or mutations) in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. EGFR mutations are present in both normal and cancerous cells. However, cancer cells frequently contain more EGFR proteins than normal cells, so they multiply faster than normal cells.

Gilotrif is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that binds to the EGFR proteins. When this occurs, the proteins are unable to continue sending signals that cause cancer cells to develop. This means that cancer cells cannot grow and spread as effectively.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Gilotrif. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Gilotrif:

• Gilotrif is typically taken once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medication in greater or smaller doses, or for longer than indicated.
• Take Gilotrif on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating.
• Gilotrif can cause severe diarrhea that can be life-threatening if you become dehydrated. Your doctor may advise you to keep an anti-diarrhea medication, such as loperamide (Imodium), on hand at all times while using Gilotrif. Take the anti-diarrhea medication exactly as suggested on the label or by your doctor.
• While using Gilotrif, you may need frequent blood tests.
• Gilotrif could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Some mild or common side effects of Gilotrif seen in clinical trials include:

• Itchy, dry skin.
• Higher liver enzyme levels.
• Nail infections.
• Rash.
• Dry eyes or eye pain.
• Mouth sores or ulcers.
• Low potassium levels.
• Low white blood cell count.
• Nose bleeds.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Gilotrif. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe skin reactions include painful rashes, blisters, and peeling skin.
• Interstitial lung disease. Symptoms include cough, fever, breathing problems, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Serious liver problems include fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, right-sided stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.
• Symptoms of stomach or intestinal tearing (perforation) include fever, chills, severe stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Severe eye problems like inflammation of the cornea (keratitis) or vision changes.
• Allergic reaction. Symptoms include hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Heart problems with symptoms such as new onset or worsening shortness of breath or exercise intolerance, cough, palpitations, fatigue, swelling of the ankles/legs, or sudden weight gain.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Gilotrif. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Gilotrif, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Kidney problems.
• Liver problems.
• Eye problems.
• Heart problems.
• Lung problems.
• Extremely dry eyes or wear contact lenses.

There are no contraindications with Gilotrif.

You should take Gilotrif (afatinib) as directed by your doctor. The length of your Gilotrif (afatinib) treatment is determined by several factors, including how effectively the medication treats your cancer and how well you tolerate it. Do not discontinue Gilotrif (afatinib) without first discussing it with your doctor.

When Gilotrif is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Erlotinib.
• Ritonavir.
• St. John’s wort.
• Ketoconazole.

Gilotrif is available in the following dosage forms and strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg tablets.

The typical dose is 40 milligrams administered orally once daily.

If you are taking any other medications that may interfere with Gilotrif (afatinib) or have significant renal problems, your dose may be altered.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 12 hours away. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Gilotrif.

There are no lower-cost generic versions available of Gilotrif.

You should not discontinue Gilotrif (afatinib) without your doctor's approval. Stopping abruptly can cause your cancer to spread or your symptoms to worsen. If you encounter side effects, your oncologist may reduce your dosage, delay therapy, or determine when it is safe to stop completely.

Gilotrif may harm an unborn child. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least two weeks following the final dosage. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant.

It is not known if Gilotrif passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risks, you should not breastfeed while taking this medication or for two weeks following the last dose.