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AFZETA 20 MG TABLET
Generic : Afatinib dimaleate (20mg)
Treatment : Non-small cell lung cancer
Pack size : 30 (Tablet)
Manufacturer : Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
Made In : INDIA
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in the treatment of adult patients who have certain mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Afzeta 20mg Tablet should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if have a breathing problem, liver, or kidney problems, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
BENEFITS OF AFZETA TABLET
In Non-small cell lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the major kinds of lung cancer and it affects both smokers as well as non-smokers. Afzeta 20mg Tablet helps treat non-small cell lung cancer and may be given alone or in combination with other medicines. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
HOW TO USE AFZETA TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Afzeta 20mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
HOW AFZETA TABLET WORKS
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. It works by binding and inhibiting the enzyme receptors (EGFR, HER2, and HER4) that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Hence, resulting in the downregulation of signaling pathways. This is how it to stop or slow the spread of cancer.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
SAFE
Consuming alcohol with Afzeta 20mg Tablet does not cause any harmful side effects.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Afzeta 20mg Tablet alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afzeta 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Afzeta 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
WHAT IF YOU FORGET TO TAKE AFZETA TABLET?
If you miss a dose of Afzeta 20mg Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Afzeta
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth)
- Nail disorder
FAQ's
Q. Is Afzeta 20mg Tablet an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is neither an immunotherapy nor a conventional chemotherapy. It belongs to kinase inhibitors class of anti-cancer medicines. It works by blocking a group of proteins. These proteins are known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking the activity of these proteins, Afzeta 20mg Tablet stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.
Q. How long does it take for Afzeta 20mg Tablet to work?
The peak levels of Afzeta 20mg Tablet are reached 2-5 hours after taking it. However, it may take weeks or months to see a noticeable change in the progression of cancer. The symptoms may improve visibly, but the effectiveness of Afzeta 20mg Tablet can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.
Q. How should I take Afzeta 20mg Tablet?
Afzeta 20mg Tablet is taken by mouth without food, at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Swallow the complete tablet with water without crushing or breaking it. Take this medicine once daily at about the same time each day. This will make it easier to remember to take this medicine. If you have difficulty in swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of water. Do not use any other liquid instead of water. Drop the tablet into the water without crushing it and stir occasionally for up to 15 minutes until the tablet is broken up into very small particles. Drink the liquid straight away. Then refill the glass with water and drink it to make sure all medicine is taken.
Q. Does Afzeta 20mg Tablet have any effect on fertility?
Afzeta 20mg Tablet may decrease fertility in both men and women Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding fertility, talk to your doctor who might suggest sperm or egg preservation before starting treatment.
Q. Can Afzeta 20mg Tablet be given along with chemotherapy?
There are no supporting studies to suggest that Afzeta 20mg Tablet can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines. Afzeta 20mg Tablet is used to treat specific type of lung cancer when the prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.
Q. Can Afzeta 20mg Tablet cure lung cancer?
No, Afzeta 20mg Tablet cannot cure lung cancer, but it prolongs the survival of the patient. It may also reduce the size of the tumor.
Q. What should I avoid while taking Afzeta 20mg Tablet?
You should avoid sun exposure as Afzeta 20mg Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. You may get a severe sunburn or may develop rash or acne or it may get worsened. Therefore, use sunscreen and wear a hat before moving out in the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to go out in the sun.
Q. Can I do something if I get diarrhea due to Afzeta 20mg Tablet?
Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Afzeta 20mg Tablet. Severe diarrhea can cause excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) and kidney problems that can sometimes lead to death. Start drinking plenty of fluids at the first signs of diarrhea and contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will start the appropriate antidiarrheal treatment (e.g. loperamide) as soon as possible. The doctor may also reduce your dose or discontinue the therapy if you develop severe diarrhea.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pack size – 30
pack form – tablet
MORE INFORMATION
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Important: We advise you to always read the patient information leaflet inside the medication box, as the generic medication may not always entirely match the patient information leaflet listed. Please contact us if you have any questions.
