Giotrif (Afatinib Dimaleate) is a prescription medication used to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients whose tumors have activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. NSCLC often shows no symptoms until the disease is well advanced. However, early detection of the symptoms may be beneficial to the outcome. The drug is also used to treat patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC of squamous histology progressing on and after platinum-based chemotherapy. The active ingredient in Giotrif is Afatinib dimaleate. Afatinib Dimaleate belongs to a class of drugs called protein kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of a group of proteins called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). EGFR is a protein that is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. People with EGFR-negative tumors should not use Afatinib.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Giotrif from Canada, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, in the strength of 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg tablets. The generic Afatinib Dimaleate is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Giotrif. The most common side effects of Giotrif may include the following:
• Decreased appetite;
• Diarrhea;
• Dry skin;
• Runny nose;
• Weight loss
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Eye irritation or inflammation;
• Inflammation of the lungs;
• Severe blistering and peeling of skin;
• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, mouth, and throat
These are not all of the side effects of Giotrif. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Giotrif if you are allergic to Afatinib Dimaleate or any ingredient in Giotrif. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are female and weigh less than 50kg;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a history of eye problems;
• Have had lung inflammation;
• Have heart problems;
• Have intolerance to some sugars;
• Have kidney problems;
• Have liver problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Giotrif and ritonavir, itraconazole, erythromycin, verapamil, cyclosporine, amiodarone, etc. Avoid St. John’s wort, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or rifampicin with Giotrif. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Giotrif can harm a fetus. Avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine. Use adequate birth control methods if you could become pregnant during treatment and for at least 1 month after your last dose. If you plan to become pregnant after taking the last dose of this medicine, ask your doctor for advice, as your body may not have fully eliminated this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Afatinib Dimaleate passes into breast milk and poses a risk to a nursing infant. Take Giotrif precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. If you have difficulties swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of still water. Drop the tablet in the water without crushing it and occasionally stir for up to 15 minutes until it is broken into very small particles. Drink the liquid immediately, then fill the glass again with water and drink it to ensure you take all the medicine. It is best to take this drug at the same time every day, without food. Take this drug at least 1 hour before eating. If you have already eaten, wait at least 3 hours before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this drug without informing your doctor. Stopping this drug suddenly may cause your cancer to grow again. Avoid driving or operating machinery if Giotrif affects your eyesight. Store Giotrif in its original package at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.