Gilotrif
Generic name:afatinib [ a-FAT-i-nib ]
Drug class:Multikinase inhibitors
What is Gilotrif?
Gilotrif is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Gilotrif is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. It is used for this condition only if your tumor has a specific genetic marker for which your doctor will test.
Gilotrif is also used to treat squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body after other cancer medicine has been tried without successful treatment.
Warnings
Minimize sun exposure with protective clothing and use of sunscreen while taking Gilotrif tablets.
Diarrhea occurs in nearly all patients who receive Gilotrif. Severe diarrhea may result in dehydration and renal impairment. Call your doctor if you are sick with severe diarrhea, or diarrhea lasting longer than 2 days.
Call your doctor at once if you experience eye pain, swelling, redness, blurred vision, or other vision change.
Call your doctor at once if you experience any of the following: new onset or worsening shortness of breath or exercise intolerance, cough, fatigue, swelling of the ankles/legs, palpitations, or sudden weight gain.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Gilotrif if you are allergic to afatinib.
To make sure Gilotrif is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
heart disease;
breathing problems or lung disease other than cancer; or
vision problems, very dry eyes, or if you wear contact lenses.
Gilotrif may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not not breastfeed while using this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
How should I take Gilotrif?
Take Gilotrif tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will perform a blood test to make sure afatinib is the right treatment for your condition.
Gilotrif is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take Gilotrif on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Gilotrif can cause severe diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if it leads to dehydration. You may be given medications to prevent or quickly treat diarrhea.
Your doctor may recommend you have an anti-diarrhea medicine such as loperamide (Imodium) available at all times while you are taking Gilotrif. Take the anti-diarrhea medicine as directed on the label, or as prescrib...
