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Written By ,
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Nov 30, 2024 | 3:18 PM IST

Afayro 40 Tablet is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It contains Afatinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps prevent the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce their further spread to other parts of the body.

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Prescription drug

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Composition

AFATINIB-40MG

Manufacturer/Marketer

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Consume Type

ORAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Apr-26

for this medicine

About Afayro 40 Tablet

Afayro 40 Tablet is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is a common form of lung cancer in which abnormal cells grow in the lung tissues. Afayro 40 Tablet is used as a first-line therapy in the treatment of metastatic NSCLC with non-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and in patients with metastatic, squamous NSCLC progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy.

Afayro 40 Tablet contains Afatinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body.

Afayro 40 Tablet may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, mouth sores, nail inflammation, ache, cough, abdominal pain, and itching. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. Afayro 40 Tablet should be taken as advised by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Your doctor will decide the dose of Afayro 40 Tablet based on the severity of your condition.

Avoid taking Afayro 40 Tablet if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking Afayro 40 Tablet , inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, eye problems, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Elderly people are more sensitive to medicine, so the dose may have to be adjusted according to their condition.

Uses of Afayro 40 Tablet

Treatment of Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Medicinal Benefits

Afayro 40 Tablet contains Afatinib, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor.  In this way, Afayro 40 Tablet stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.

Directions for Use

Take Afayro 40 Tablet as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken without food on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Afayro 40 Tablet

  • Acne
  • Dry skin
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Mouth sores
  • Cough
  • Nail inflammation
  • Visual disturbances
  • Abdominal pain

Drug Warnings

To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Afayro 40 Tablet for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Afayro 40 Tablet if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, eye problems, lung disease other than lung cancer, heart problems, severe cough, and breathing difficulty. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Afayro 40 Tablet may cause severe diarrhea, Bullous and exfoliative skin disorder, hepatotoxicity, Interstitial lung disease, and keratitis in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Afayro 40 Tablet . Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause visual disturbances. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction: Afayro 40 Tablet may have interaction with P-gp (P-glycoprotein) inhibitors (amiodarone, clarithromycin, ciclosporin, colchicine, diltiazem, erythromycin, felodipine, ketoconazole), P-gp inducers (carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, ritonavir, phenobarbitone).

Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.

Dug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, vision problems, breathing problems, or heart problems.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • AMIODARONE
  • CICLOSPORIN
  • DILTIAZEM
  • FELODIPINE
  • CARBAMAZEPINE
  • RIFAMPICIN
  • PHENYTOIN

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
  • Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
  • Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
  • De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
  • Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
  • Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Special Advise

  • Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests to monitor the function of the liver due to the use of Afayro 40 Tablet .
  • Avoid being under the sun for a long time, as prolonged duration of sun exposure may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions.

Disease/Condition Glossary

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Lung cancer is defined as an Uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. These abnormal cells do not carry out normal lung cell functions and do not develop into healthy lung tissue. There are different forms of lung cancer. The most common form of lung cancer is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It happens when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. Cancerous cells of the lung spread off and travel through the bloodstream to distant regions of the body and grow. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.

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Alcohol

Caution

Limit alcohol consumption while taking Afayro 40 Tablet .

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Pregnancy

Unsafe

Afayro 40 Tablet is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Afayro 40 Tablet . You should not become pregnant while you are taking Afayro 40 Tablet and for at least two weeks after your treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Afayro 40 Tablet is suggested.

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Breast Feeding

Unsafe

Afayro 40 Tablet should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant.

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Driving

Unsafe

Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs clear vision until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with Afayro 40 Tablet .

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Liver

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Afayro 40 Tablet is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. Hence, this medicine should be taken cautiously. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a liver problem, which may include yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling very tired while taking Afayro 40 Tablet .

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Kidney

Caution

If you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Afayro 40 Tablet . Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.

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Children

Unsafe

Afayro 40 Tablet is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

Country of origin

India

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, B/2, Mahalaxmi Chambers, 22, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai €“ 400 026.
Other Info - AFA0013

FAQs

Afayro 40 Tablet is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afayro 40 Tablet contains Afatinib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
The most common sign of lung cancer is a cough that lasts long and gets worse with time. Sometimes, a patient may notice blood in the cough. Chest pain is also a sign of lung cancer, followed by coughing.
Afayro 40 Tablet is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Afayro 40 Tablet only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
Afayro 40 Tablet is a chemotherapy drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is caused by an abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene or genes.
Take Afayro 40 Tablet as prescribed by the doctor. It should be taken without food on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Afayro 40 Tablet is an anti-cancer medication that belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Afayro 40 Tablet may affect fertility, as suggested by animal studies indicating reduced fertility in both men and women. If you plan to become pregnant or father a child, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Yes, Afayro 40 Tablet may be given along with chemotherapy in some instances, but only under the careful guidance of a doctor, who will determine its suitability based on the stage and severity of individual cancer.
If you miss a dose of Afayro 40 Tablet , take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Afayro 40 Tablet is specifically used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with certain genetic mutations (EGFR-positive). It is not a cure for all types of lung cancer.
When taking Afayro 40 Tablet , it's important to note that food can reduce the absorption of the medication, leading to lower blood levels and potentially reduced effectiveness. To minimize this effect, avoid eating for at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking Afayro 40 Tablet . Additionally, limit your sun exposure and take sun protection measures, such as using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. You should also quit smoking, limit alcoholic beverages and avoid St. John's Wort preparations altogether. Furthermore, use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy or fathering a child while using Afayro 40 Tablet . Lastly, be sure to avoid certain medications that may interact with Afayro 40 Tablet . Following these guidelines can ensure safe and effective treatment with Afayro 40 Tablet .
To cope with diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids and eat bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid trigger foods that can irritate your stomach, and get plenty of rest to help your body recover. If needed, consider taking anti-diarrheal medications, but be sure to consult your doctor first. If your symptoms are severe, last over three days, or are accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, or any other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
The common side effects of Afayro 40 Tablet may include diarrhoea, rash, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry skin, mouth sores, nail inflammation, aches, cough, abdominal pain, and itching. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

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