Afanat 30 Tablet

Reviews How to Use Benefits Uses Side Effects

Product Info

Prescription required	Yes
Marketer	Natco Pharma Ltd
Active Ingredient	Afatinib dimaleate (30mg)
Storage	Store below 30°C
Chemical Class	Quinazoline and Butenamide Derivative
Habit Forming	No
Therapeutic Class	ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class	Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
User Rating	4.2
User Reviews	534

FAQ

Is Afanat 30 an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?

Afanat 30 is neither an immunotherapy nor a conventional chemotherapy. It belongs to kinase inhibitors class of anti-cancer medicines. It works by blocking a group of proteins. These proteins are known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking the activity of these proteins, Afanat 30 stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Does Afanat 30 have any effect on fertility?

Afanat 30 may decrease fertility in both men and women Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding fertility, talk to your doctor who might suggest sperm or egg preservation before starting treatment.

Can Afanat 30 be given along with chemotherapy?

There are no supporting studies to suggest that Afanat 30 can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines. Afanat 30 is used to treat specific type of lung cancer when the prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.

What should I avoid while taking Afanat 30?

You should avoid sun exposure as Afanat 30 can make your skin sensitive to the sun. You may get a severe sunburn or may develop rash or acne or it may get worsened. Therefore, use sunscreen and wear a hat before moving out in the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to go out in the sun.

Can I do something if I get diarrhea due to Afanat 30?

Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Afanat 30. Severe diarrhea can cause excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) and kidney problems that can sometimes lead to death. Start drinking plenty of fluids at the first signs of diarrhea and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will start the appropriate antidiarrheal treatment (e.g. loperamide) as soon as possible. The doctor may also reduce your dose or discontinue the therapy if you develop severe diarrhea.

How long does it take for Afanat 30 to work?

The peak levels of Afanat 30 are reached 2-5 hours after taking it. However, it may take weeks or months to see a noticeable change in the progression of cancer. The symptoms may improve visibly, but the effectiveness of Afanat 30 can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.

Can Afanat 30 cure lung cancer?

No, Afanat 30 cannot cure lung cancer, but it prolongs the survival of the patient. It may also reduce the size of the tumor.

How should I take Afanat 30?

Afanat 30 is taken by mouth without food, at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Swallow the complete tablet with water without crushing or breaking it. Take this medicine once daily at about the same time each day. This will make it easier to remember to take this medicine. If you have difficulty in swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of water. Do not use any other liquid instead of water. Drop the tablet into the water without crushing it and stir occasionally for up to 15 minutes until the tablet is broken up into very small particles. Drink the liquid straight away. Then refill the glass with water and drink it to make sure all medicine is taken.

What if you forget to take Afanat Tablet?

If you miss a dose of Afanat 30, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Afanat 30 Tablet Reviews

Afanat 30 is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in the treatment of adult patients who have certain mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Afanat 30 should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, rash, dry skin, and nausea. Diarrhea can be serious sometimes so take medicine to treat it as prescribed by the doctor or stay hydrated. Your doctor may advise for some blood tests while you are taking this medicine. It may also make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight. Inform your doctor if you notice pain or redness in the eye or dry eye.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have a breathing problem, liver, or kidney problems, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

How Afanat 30 Tablet Works

Afanat 30 is an anti-cancer medication. It works by binding and inhibiting the enzyme receptors (EGFR, HER2, and HER4) that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Hence, resulting in the downregulation of signaling pathways. This is how it to stop or slow the spread of cancer.

How to Use Afanat 30 Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Afanat 30 is to be taken empty stomach.

Benefits of Afanat 30 Tablet

In Non-small cell lung cancer: Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Afanat 30 helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Uses of Afanat 30 Tablet

Non-small cell lung cancer

Afanat 30 Tablet Side Effects

Safety Tips

Alcohol ^SAFE

Consuming alcohol with Afanat 30 does not cause any harmful side effects.

Liver ^{SAFE IF PRESCRIBED}

Afanat 30 is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afanat 30 may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

Afanat 30 is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

It is not known whether Afanat 30 alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.

Kidney ^{SAFE IF PRESCRIBED}

Afanat 30 is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afanat 30 may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy ^{CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR}

Afanat 30 is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

Diarrhea is common with Afanat 30 and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Take Afanat 30 on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
Afanat 30 can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight.
Afanat 30 can cause redness, rash, and acne. Get treatment for skin reactions as soon as you notice them.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
You have been prescribed Afanat 30 for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer).