• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations
• Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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

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.

1. 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

2. 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

3. Boehringer Ingelheim Pvt. Ltd., Therapeutic Goods Administration, [Revised on April 2014], [Accessed on 16-02-2024], https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-afatinib-dimaleate-140414.pdf

4. Helga Wecker, Cornelius F Waller; Afatinib; Recent Results in Cancer Research 2018; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30069769/