Medical Uses
Gilotrif (afatinib) is a kinase inhibitor used for:
- First-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in those whose tumors have resistant EGFR mutations.
- Treatment of patients with metastatic, squamous NSCLC progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Recommended Dosage:
The recommended dosage of Afatinib is 40 mg once a day. It needs to be taken by mouth at the same time every day. Take it at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after; do not eat while the pill is in your stomach. Avoid swallowing Afatinib with a meal.
If you forget a dose and the next one is more than 12 hours away, take the missed pill right away. If the gap is shorter, skip the missed pill and return to your routine. Keep using Afatinib until your doctor says the disease has progressed or side effects become unbearable. Always stick to your doctor's orders and never raise or lower the dose without asking first.