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Afamac 40mg Tablet
Prescription Required
Salt Composition : Afatinib Dimaleate
Manufacturer : ADMAC LIFE SCIENCES
Origin of Medicine : India
28 Tablet(s) In A Bottle
Introduction to Afamac 40mg Tablet
Afamac 40mg Tablet is an anticancer medicine containing Afatinib dimaleate as an active ingredient. It is used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumours have certain (non-resistant) abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes and patients with metastatic, squamous NSCLC progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy.
It is not recommended to use this medication if you are allergic to the active compound Afatinib dimaleate or its components. It is not recommended for female patients weighing below 50 kilograms. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; it is advised to consult your physician regarding further queries.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of eye problems or wearing contact lenses. Limit your time in the sun, as this medicine may make your skin sensitive to the sun. It is not recommended for children and adolescents under the age of 18. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have kidney disorders, breathing problems, liver disorders, heart problems, or intolerance to sugars before taking this medicine. Inform your physician or pharmacist of any additional medications you are taking, have recently taken, or may take, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.
Uses of Afamac 40mg Tablet
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy
Therapeutic Effects of Afamac 40mg Tablet
It functions by inhibiting the ErbB family of proteins, which includes EGFR (also known as the epidermal growth factor receptor, or ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4) and HER2. Changes in the genes that create these proteins can impact how cancer cells multiply and disseminate. By inhibiting these proteins and their activities, this medication can prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells and can help to slow or stop the progression of cancer.
Interaction of Afamac 40mg Tablet with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Afamac 40mg Tablet and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Inform your physician if you are taking antifungals or immunosuppressive drugs.
More Information about Afamac 40mg Tablet
- Afamac 40mg Tablet should be stored at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
- Protected from light.
- Keep it in its original packaging until it is ready to be used.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
- It should be disposed of properly.
How to consume Afamac 40mg Tablet
Afamac 40mg Tablet is an oral medication that is usually taken once a day, at approximately the same time each day, before food. If you have already eaten, wait at least 3 hours before taking this medicine.
It should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. These tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. They should not be crushed, chewed, or opened, as this can affect how the medication is absorbed and decrease its effectiveness. Take the missed dose as soon as you recall if your next planned dose is more than eight hours away. You should not take a double dose to make up for the second dose.
Safety Advices for Afamac 40mg Tablet
Pregnancy
It is recommended to avoid this medication during pregnancy as Afamac 40mg Tablet is unsafe during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Afamac 40mg Tablet is excreted in human milk or not, and there are potential risks to a nursing infant. So, it is not recommended that nursing women take it.
Lungs
Afamac 40mg Tablet is primarily used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients should consult healthcare providers if they have any other lung disease or history of lung inflammation before taking it.
Liver
Afamac 40mg Tablet is primarily metabolised in the liver, so inform your healthcare provider if you have any liver problems or diseases. Additionally, this medicine may raise liver enzyme levels, which may indicate inflammation or injury to the liver. Regular blood tests are necessary for patients using this medicine to assess liver function.
Alcohol
It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Afamac 40mg Tablet, as alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects associated with the medication, such as stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Driving
Patients on Afamac 40mg Tablet may have adverse effects that make it difficult for them to drive or operate machinery, such as weariness, dizziness, or impaired vision. In these cases, patients should be advised to avoid driving or using machinery. Consult your doctor for further queries.
Side Effects of Afamac 40mg Tablet
Like all medications, Afamac 40mg Tablet can cause side effects, although not everyone who takes it will experience them.
Serious:
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
- Severe diarrhoea or dehydration
- Liver problems
- Eye problems, such as corneal erosion or ulceration
- Hemorrhage or bleeding problems
- Renal impairment
- Cardiac problems
Common:
- Diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Acne or skin rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nail changes, such as nail bed infections or inflammation
- Dry skin or itching
- Eye irritation or dryness
- Respiratory infections
Word of Advice
Follow all instructions and dosing recommendations provided by your healthcare provider. Do not take more or less of the medication than prescribed. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately, especially if they relate to your lungs, eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, heart, or bleeding. Women should avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding. Men and women of reproductive age should use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least two weeks after their last dose. Patients should report any signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth or decreased urination, to a healthcare provider immediately. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Afamac 40mg Tablet to stay hydrated, especially if you experience diarrhoea as a side effect. When taking Afamac 40mg Tablet, stay away from grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may interact with the medication and raise the risk of side effects.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I donate blood while taking an Afamac 40mg Tablet?
Patients should not donate blood while taking Afamac 40mg Tablet, as the medication can be harmful to the recipient. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you plan to donate blood, as they may advise you to wait until after you have finished treatment.
Q 2. Can I continue to work or go to school while taking Afamac 40mg Tablet?
The ability to work or go to school while taking Afamac 40mg Tablet will depend on your individual condition and response to treatment. Some patients may experience fatigue or other side effects that can impact their ability to perform daily activities.
Q 3. Does Afamac 40mg Tablet have any effect on fertility?
There is limited information on the effects of Afamac 40mg Tablet on fertility. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you are trying to conceive, as some cancer treatments can affect fertility.
Q 4. Can I take Afamac 40mg Tablet if I have a history of heart problems?
Suppose you have a history of heart problems. In that case, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of using the Afamac 40mg Tablet with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. This medication can cause cardiac problems, and your healthcare provider may need to monitor you closely during treatment.
Q 5. Can Afamac 40mg Tablet be used in combination with other cancer treatments?
Afamac 40mg Tablet is sometimes used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. However, the safety and effectiveness of these combinations will depend on your individual condition and treatment plan.
Fact Box of Afamac 40mg Tablet
Molecule name: Afatinib dimaleate | Therapeutic class: Anticancer
|
Pharmacological class: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor | Indications: 1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations 2. Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy |
Dosage form: Tablets | Habit forming: No |
References
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Jan 2018] [ Accessed on 16-02-2024 ], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/201292s014lbl.pdf
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on 21-06-2023 ] [ Accessed on 16-02-2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5147.pdf
- Boehringer Ingelheim pvt ltd, Therapeutic goods administration, [Revised on April 2014], [Accessed n 16-02-2024], https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-afatinib-dimaleate-140414.pdf
- Helga Wecker, Cornelius F Waller; Afatinib; Recent Results in Cancer Research 2018; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30069769/
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