Gilotrif (Afatinib Dimaleate) is a prescription medication used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and that has spread to other parts of the body. Gilotrif is also an effective therapy for people with squamous cell lung cancer who have been previously treated with chemotherapy that contains platinum. The active ingredient in Gilotrif is Afatinib Dimaleate. Afatinib Dimaleate belongs to the class of medications called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Afatinib is a called a cancer growth blocker. It blocks the signals of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that tell a cancer to divide and grow. By this mechanism, Gilotrif tablets stops the growth of cancer cells.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Gilotrif from Canada also called Giotrif manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim in the strength of 20 mg, 30 mg and 40 mg tablets. The generic version is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Gilotrif. The most common side effects of Gilotrif may include:
• Body rash;
• Body itching;
• Diarrhea;
• Decreased appetite;
• Dry skin;
• Mouth sores;
• Nail inflammation;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects including:
• Eye problems such as blurry vision or difficulty seeing well in clear consciousness;
• Heart and lung problems;
• Increase in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood;
• Severe diarrhoea that refuses to stop;
• Severe skin reaction such as generalized body rash, redness and acne
You should not take Gilotrif if you are allergic to Gilotrif or if you have taken certain medications called strong CYP3A inducers. You should use Gilotrif as prescribed by your doctor. It is essential to reduce your time in the sun. Gilotrif can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You could get or have worsening rash or acne. You could get severe sunburn. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing that cover your skin if you have to be in sunlight during treatment with Gilotrif tablets.
Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have liver problems;
• Have high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have problems with your heartbeat;
• Have lung or breathing problems other than lung cancer
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Women should use effective non-hormonal birth control during treatment with Gilotrif and for at least two weeks after the final dose. Men who have female partners who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least three months after the final dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment with Gilotrif and for 7 days after the final dose. You should discuss with your doctor about the best way to feed your child. Gilotrif may cause decreased fertility in men which could affect their ability to father a child. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Gilotrif and other medications such as azithromycin, ceritinib, Stiripentol, aspirin and other NSAIDs. It is unknown if Gilotrif is safe and effective in children.