Giotrif (Afatinib) 40mg

Antineoplastic Agent, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship      

Afatinib, Giotrif is an irreversible Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGRF) Inhibitor in addition to inhibiting tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation and thus blocking the activity of downstream signalling pathways related to growth and apoptosis suppression. 

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Before starting Afatinib, Giotrif make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take.   It is important that your doctor carefully monitor you for cardiovascular toxicity (i.e. left ventricular ejection fraction); signs of dermatologic toxicity (i.e. acneiform rash, erythema, rash); GI toxicity; hepatotoxicity (i.e. elevated liver enzymes); ocular toxicity; pulmonary toxicity (i.e. interstitial lung disease).  In addition, Afatinib, Giotrif should be used with caution in patients with hepatic and renal impairment.

Oral: 40mg once daily.

How to Take: It is best to take ≥1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Do not take a missed dose within 12 hours of the next dose.

Acneiform eruption, skin rash, paronychia, xeroderma, pruritus, weight loss, electrolyte disturbance (i.e. decrease serum potassium), diarrhea, stomatitis, vomiting, cystitis, lymphocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, rhinorrhea and fever. 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Afatinib, Giotrif only common ones

1. Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
   Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations.  Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate.  This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks.   Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.