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?

The peak levels of Afanat 20 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 Afanat 20 Tablet can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.

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 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 Afanat 20 Tablet be given along with chemotherapy?

There are no supporting studies to suggest that Afanat 20 Tablet can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines. Afanat 20 Tablet is used to treat specific type of lung cancer when the prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.

Q. Can Afanat 20 Tablet cure lung cancer?

No, Afanat 20 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 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.