Afanat

Side Effects of Afanat are Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Itching, Rash, Stomatitis (Inflammation of the mouth), Loss of appetite, Dry skin, Decreased appetite, Nail disorder.

How Afanat Products work

Afatinib dimaleate 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.

In Depth Information for Afanat Products

You have been prescribed Afanat for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer).
Take Afanat on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
Diarrhea is common with Afanat and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed.
Afanat can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight.
Afanat can cause redness, rash, and acne. Get treatment for skin reactions as soon as you notice them.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Afanat is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting.
It may cause serious bleeding problem. Inform your doctor if you get headaches, stomach pain or if you notice blood in your urine or stools.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Patient Concerns about Afanat Products

Frequently asked questions about Afanat Products

Q. Is Afanat 20 Tablet an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?

Afanat 20 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, Afanat 20 Tablet stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

Q. How long does it take for Afanat 20 Tablet to work?

$nsme starts acting on cancer cells after you begin treatment, but it may take several weeks to assess its effectiveness. Your doctor will perform scans and other tests at regular intervals to check how well the treatment is working.

Q. How should I take Afanat 20 Tablet?

Afanat 20 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 Afanat 20 Tablet have any effect on fertility?

Afanat 20 Tablet may affect fertility, although its effects on fertility in humans are not fully known. If you are planning to have children, discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.

Q. Can Afanat 20 Tablet be given along with chemotherapy?

Afanat 20 Tablet is generally used on its own to treat certain types of lung cancer. Whether it can be given with chemotherapy depends on your condition and treatment plan. Do not combine it with other cancer medicines unless your doctor advises you to.

Q. Can Afanat 20 Tablet cure lung cancer?

Afanat 20 Tablet helps control certain types of lung cancer by slowing down cancer cell growth. It may help shrink tumours and delay disease progression. However, the response to treatment varies from person to person. Your doctor will monitor your condition to assess how well the medicine is working.

Q. What should I avoid while taking Afanat 20 Tablet?

You should avoid sun exposure as Afanat 20 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 Afanat 20 Tablet?

Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Afanat 20 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.

Information last updated by Dr. Varun Gupta, MD Pharmacology on 28th Mar 2025.
The medicine details are for information purpose only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.