Gilotrif (Afatinib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Gilotrif is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with nonresistant epidermal growth factor receptor mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test. Gilotrif is also approved to treat metastatic, squamous NSCLC that progresses after platinum-based chemotherapy. Gilotrif is also referred to by its drug name, afatinib.

Gilotrif is a member of a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Gilotrif is believed to work by disrupting the activity of an ErbB kinase involved in cancer cell proliferation, thereby slowing the growth and spread of tumors.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Gilotrif is taken orally as a tablet once daily.

Gilotrif should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Gilotrif lists common side effects including diarrhea, rash, skin infection, inflammation of the mouth, dry skin, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and itching.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Gilotrif include severe skin blistering, liver damage, eye problems (keratitis), interstitial lung disease (scarring of the lungs), and fetal harm.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Gilotrif — Boehringer Ingelheim
https://gilotrif.com

Afatinib (Oral Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/af...