Afatin 40
Form: Tablet
Strength: 40mg
Generic Name: Afatinib Dimaleate
Company: Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 1160.0 (Box=15)
Per Piece: ৳ 77.33
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Afatin 40 is used to treat patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have EGFR mutations. Afatin 40 is specifically for the first-line treatment in patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumors, as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Limitation of Use: Its safety and effectiveness have not been proven for tumors with resistant EGFR mutations.
Afatin 40 is also used for patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Pharmacology
Afatin 40 works by binding to the kinase domains of EGFR, HER2, and HER4, stopping the receptor’s activity and preventing cell growth. Some mutations in EGFR can cause Afatin 40 to be more active, leading to cancer cell growth. Afatin 40 helps stop this process by blocking the kinase activity, especially in mutations like exon 21 L858R and exon 19 deletions.
Afatin 40 has been shown to stop the growth of cells with these mutations and those with HER2 overexpression, both in laboratory studies and in animal models.
Dosage & Administration
For EGFR Mutation-Positive Metastatic NSCLC: Afatin 40 should be used in patients with confirmed EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitutions.
Recommended Dose: The usual dose is 40 mg taken once a day until the disease progresses or Afatin 40 is no longer tolerated.
Severe Renal Impairment: For patients with severe kidney issues, the dose should be 30 mg daily. Afatin 40 should be taken on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals.
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
Interaction
Taking certain medicines like Ritonavir, Cyclosporine A, or Ketoconazole with Afatin 40 can increase its levels in the body. On the other hand, medicines like Rifampicin or St. John’s wort can lower its levels.
Contraindications
Afatin 40 is not safe for patients who are allergic to Afatinib or any of its ingredients.
Side Effects
Common side effects include diarrhea, skin problems like blisters, lung disease, liver toxicity, and eye irritation.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Afatin 40 can harm the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Afatin 40 is also not recommended for breastfeeding women because Afatin 40 may pass into breast milk and affect the infant. Lactating women should avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for two weeks after the last dose.
Precautions & Warnings
Patients with diarrhea should be closely monitored, as Afatin 40 can lead to dehydration and kidney problems. If severe diarrhea occurs, treatment should be paused until Afatin 40 improves. Severe skin reactions or lung problems should also be monitored closely, and treatment should be stopped if these occur.
Overdose Effects
Taking too much of Afatin 40 can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Both patients who overdosed recovered after receiving treatment.
Therapeutic Class
Afatin 40 belongs to the class of drugs known as Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.
Similar Brands of Afatinib Dimaleate (Tablet – 40mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afanix 40 | Tablet | 40mg | Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 1100.0 |
| Anib 40 | Tablet | 40mg | Drug International Ltd. | 750.0 |
| Atanib 40 | Tablet | 40mg | Aristopharma Limited | 1100.0 |