Description

Afatinib Tablets 20 Mg: Targeted Therapy for EGFR-Mutant NSCLC

Overview

Afatinib 20 mg tablets are an advanced treatment option for adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutations. Afatinib is an oral, irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets and blocks the activity of the EGFR mutation involved in cancer cell proliferation.

Afatinib is FDA-approved and widely prescribed as a first-line treatment and has shown significant efficacy in slowing disease progression and improving progression-free survival when compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Key Features and Benefits

• FDA-approved EGFR inhibitor
• 20 mg strength for dose adjustment or low-tolerance patients
• Effective for NSCLC with confirmed EGFR mutations
• Oral administration – once daily
• Manufactured in GMP-certified facilities
• Brand equivalent: Gilotrif

Medical Use

Indicated for:

• First-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC with non-resistant EGFR mutations (e.g., exon 19 deletions or L858R substitution)
• Treatment of patients whose disease has progressed despite chemotherapy
• Optional use in HER2-positive cancers under clinical supervision (off-label)

Mechanism of Action

Afatinib irreversibly binds to the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), blocking kinase activity and inhibiting cancer cell signaling. This shuts down EGFR signaling pathways, suppressing tumor growth in EGFR-mutation-positive lung cancers.

Unlike first-generation EGFR inhibitors, Afatinib offers irreversible inhibition, making it more effective in certain contexts, especially when tolerance or resistance to earlier TKIs exists.

Dosage and Administration

• Initial Dose: Typically, therapy begins with 40 mg once daily.
• Adjustment Dose: Patients who cannot tolerate higher doses may be prescribed Afatinib 20 mg to manage side effects.
• Administration: Take tablets at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Do not crush or split the tablet.

Always take Afatinib under supervision from a medical oncologist. Regular follow-ups, testing, and imaging are recommended during treatment.

Side Effects and Warnings

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Skin rash or acne
• Mouth sores
• Dry skin
• Loss of appetite
• Nail inflammation

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention):

• Interstitial lung disease
• Liver enzyme elevation
• Corneal inflammation
• Severe diarrhea or dehydration
• Heart rhythm irregularities

Before use, inform your physician if you have:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Heart problems (QT prolongation)
• Eye disorders
• History of lung inflammation
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Storage and Handling

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F)
• Protect from light, heat, and excessive moisture
• Keep medication in its original package
• Keep out of reach of children

Quality and Manufacturing

• GMP-certified production
• Bioequivalent to branded Gilotrif
• Subjected to rigorous quality control and purity testing
• Used globally in oncology treatment protocols

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Afatinib 20 mg used for?
Afatinib 20 mg is used as part of a personalized treatment approach for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have EGFR mutations and cannot tolerate higher doses like 40 mg.

2. How does Afatinib work to treat lung cancer?
Afatinib blocks the activity of a mutated EGFR protein that encourages the growth and survival of cancer cells, thereby stopping or slowing cancer progression.

3. Is Afatinib chemotherapy?
No. Afatinib is a targeted therapy (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), not a traditional chemotherapy drug. It provides a more focused attack on cancer cells with fewer systemic side effects.

4. Why would a doctor prescribe Afatinib 20 mg instead of 40 mg?
The 20 mg dose is generally used during dose reduction when a patient experiences side effects at the standard 40 mg dose or has impaired ability to tolerate the higher dose.

5. When is the best time to take Afatinib 20 mg?
Afatinib should be taken once a day on an empty stomach—1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal—for best absorption and effectiveness.

6. How long will I need to take Afatinib?
The length of treatment depends on how well your body responds and how the cancer progresses. Most patients take Afatinib until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur.

7. What tests are needed before starting Afatinib?
An EGFR mutation test is required to confirm whether the cancer is driven by the kinds of mutations Afatinib can target. Blood tests and imaging may also be needed.

8. What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s less than 12 hours before your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once. Continue with your regular schedule the next day.

9. Can pregnant women take Afatinib?
No. Afatinib must not be used during pregnancy. It can harm an unborn baby, and patients of reproductive age should use effective birth control during and for at least 2 weeks after treatment.

10. Can I buy Afatinib 20 mg online?
Yes, but only with a valid prescription. Make sure to buy from licensed, certified pharmacies to ensure product authenticity and quality.