What is Gilotrif
AfatinibThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAfatinib is a pill used to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is the first medication of its kind approved by the FDA and is sold under the brand name Gilotrif. Afatinib is only used in cases where the cancer has certain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, which can be detected by an FDA-approved test.
Gilotrifis the brand name
Gilotrif Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Gilotrif
Afatinib
2013
3
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Afatinib, otherwise called Gilotrif, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Exons and Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma .Exons
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Malignant Neoplasms
Effectiveness
How Gilotrif Affects PatientsAfatinib is a drug used to treat lung cancer caused by mutations in the ErbB receptor. This drug blocks the ErbB receptor, which helps to slow down or stop tumor growth. Afatinib is especially effective in treating tumors with certain mutations in exons 18 and 21. However, if a secondary mutation (T790M) develops, afatinib may become less effective. Afatinib has been studied in clinical trials and it was found not to cause large changes in heart rhythm.
How Gilotrif works in the bodyAfatinib is a drug that helps stop the growth of cancer cells. It works by blocking signals from proteins in the ErbB family, which include EGFR, HER2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. It binds to the kinase domains of EGFR, HER2, and HER4, blocking their ability to cause cells to reproduce. Certain mutations in EGFR can cause it to become overactive and lead to cell growth even without a signal from a ligand. Afatinib is effective against these mutations and can help reduce cell growth or EGFR tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. Af
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Gilotrif relies upon the diagnosed condition, including Exons, Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma and Malignant Neoplasms. The magnitude of dosage can be found in the table below, depending on the technique of delivery.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Exons
40.0 mg, , 30.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 50.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
40.0 mg, , 30.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 50.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated
Malignant Neoplasms
40.0 mg, , 30.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 50.0 mg
Oral, , Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Tablet, film coated
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Gilotrif.Common Gilotrif Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The serum concentration of Abemaciclib can be increased when it is combined with Afatinib.
Axitinib
Major
The serum concentration of Axitinib can be increased when it is combined with Afatinib.
Bendamustine
Major
The serum concentration of Bendamustine can be increased when it is combined with Afatinib.
Binimetinib
Major
The serum concentration of Binimetinib can be increased when it is combined with Afatinib.
Bortezomib
Major
The serum concentration of Bortezomib can be increased when it is combined with Afatinib.
Gilotrif Toxicity & Overdose RiskCommon side effects of afatinib include diarrhea, rash or dermatitis, mouth sores, nail infection, dry skin, decreased appetite, and itching. In two cases of overdose, the individuals experienced nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, and increased levels of amylase. Both people were able to recover from the overdose.
Gilotrif Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Gilotrif?
Currently, 9 active studies are assessing the potential of Gilotrif for Exon-based Malignant Neoplasms and Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Malignant Neoplasms
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2, Phase 1
Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
0 Actively Recruiting
Exons
0 Actively Recruiting
Gilotrif Reviews: What are patients saying about Gilotrif?
5Patient Review
11/18/2016 After taking a break from Gilotrif due to the severe diarrhea it caused, I started taking Viberzi. This new drug has helped me immensely; I have my appetite back and rarely have any issues with diarrhea.
5Patient Review
4/25/2016 Despite some less-than-ideal side effects, I'm still seeing great results from this treatment.
5Patient Review
6/27/2016 The side effects were mild at first, but most have gone away now except for one--diarrhea. It's getting better though; I've been on the medication for six months now.
5Patient Review
9/21/2017 After my stage 4 NSCLC diagnosis, I started on a 40mg dose of this medication. Unfortunately, I developed a really bad sore mouth after only 7 days.
4.7Patient Review
5/30/2015 The diarrhea has been a bit of an issue, but it's manageable. The other day-after effects are more redness and watering eyes, which is annoying but not unbearable. I'm on a every-other-day schedule with the medication, and even though there are some downsides to taking it, the benefits definitely outweigh them.
4.7Patient Review
8/22/2017 This medication helped me a lot with my diaarhea. I'm also using Bratt's diet which has been really helpful. The only downside is that I now have a sore mouth and it's making it hard to eat and swallow. I've been using magic mouthwash and Nystatin, but it hasn't completely gone away yet.
Patient Q&A Section about gilotrif
Is Gilotrif covered by Medicare?
"Does Medicare cover the cost of Gilotrif? Yes, 100% of Medicare plans cover this drug." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is afatinib drug used for?
"Afatinib is used to treat patients with non-small cell [lung cancer](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/lung-cancer) that has spread to other parts of the body and who have certain types of abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor genes. This is the first treatment that these patients have received for their cancer." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is Gilotrif used for?
"GILOTRIF is a prescription medicine that is used to treat people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that: has certain (non-resistant) abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene(s). Your healthcare provider will perform a test to make sure that GILOTRIF is right for you." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
How do you take a Gilotrif?
"Make sure to take GILOTRIF at least an hour before or two hours after a meal, and try not to miss a dose. If you do, make sure it's more than 12 hours before your next planned dose." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer