Description
What Is Afatinib Drug Used For?
Afatinib treats NSCLC, often caused by a problem with a gene called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). When this gene doesn’t work properly, it can make cancer cells grow uncontrollably. Afatinib doesn’t let cancer cells divide and multiply, and thus helps to stop this growth.
Generic Availability in India
In India, Afatinib is available in generic forms, making it more accessible and affordable for patients. The availability of generic Afatinib in India began as a result of the expiration of the original patent. Once the patent expired, other pharmaceutical companies were able to produce and market generic versions.
Afatinib Brands in India
Several pharmaceutical companies in India manufacture and market Afatinib under their specific brand names:
- Natco Pharma Ltd: Afanat
- BDR Pharmaceuticals: Afatin
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd: Afayro
Available Strengths of Afatinib
Afatinib is available in the following tablet strengths:
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 50 mg
Afatinib Pricing in India
The price of Afatinib in India varies based on the brand and dosage. Here are the costs for a pack of 28 tablets as per different tablet strengths –
- 20 mg: ₹2079
- 30 mg: ₹4,500
- 40 mg: ₹5040
Please note: Prices are subject to change and may vary between pharmacies
Afatinib Pricing in Malaysia and the Philippines
In Malaysia, the monthly cost of Afatinib ranges between MYR 45,000 and MYR 50,000.
In the Philippines, it costs around PHP 5000 to 6000 per month. These high costs are due to the prevalence of brand-name versions and the overall pricing structures in these countries.
Please note that this price information is sourced from the internet. We recommend checking with local pharmacies or public hospital in your country for the individual medication prices.
Purchasing Afatinib Online
Patients can purchase Afatinib online through various pharmaceutical websites. It’s crucial to ensure that the source is reputable and that a valid prescription is provided.
For your convenience, Delightaid Health hep you to get high quality Tafnat at highly competitive prices.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via email, WhatsApp, or by filling out the query form available at the bottom of our website or on the contact us page.
Side Effects of Afatinib
Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Mouth sores
- Nail inflammation
- Decreased appetite
- Dry skin
Promptly report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
Afatinib works by attaching itself permanently to and blocking the activity of certain proteins on cancer cells, specifically EGFR, HER2, and HER4. These proteins can become too active in some cancers, making the cells grow uncontrollably. By blocking these proteins, Afatinib helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Afatinib for Lung Cancer
Afatinib is approved for the initial treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC having specific changes in the EGFR gene. It’s especially effective for tumors with rare EGFR mutations that don’t respond well to first-generation treatments. By blocking the signals from these mutated genes, Afatinib helps control the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Comparisons with Other Treatments
- Afatinib vs. Osimertinib: Afatinib and Osimertinib treat lung cancer, but Osimertinib is newer, more effective against resistant tumors, and has fewer side effects than Afatinib.
- Afatinib vs. Gefitinib: Afatinib is stronger, lasts longer, and works against more mutations, while Gefitinib has fewer side effects.
- Afatinib vs. Erlotinib: Afatinib is newer, more effective for certain mutations, and lasts longer, while Erlotinib has a milder side effect profile.
- Afatinib vs. Dacomitinib: Dacomitinib is newer and more effective for some patients, while Afatinib has a slightly better-tolerated side effect profile.
- Afatinib vs. Chemotherapy: Afatinib targets lung cancer more precisely, causing fewer side effects than chemotherapy. It attacks cancerous and healthy cells, leading to stronger side effects and fatigue.
FAQs
What type of drug is Afatinib?
Afatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat certain types of lung cancer.
What generation is Afatinib?
Afatinib is considered a second-generation EGFR inhibitor.
What is Afatinib used for?
It’s used for the first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC with specific EGFR mutations.
How long does Afatinib work?
The duration of effectiveness varies among patients. Regular monitoring and consultations with a healthcare provider are essential.
Is Afatinib chemotherapy?
No, it’s a targeted therapy, not traditional chemotherapy.
Is Afatinib FDA approved?
Yes, Afatinib is approved by FDA.
References –
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/afatinibdimaleate
https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542248/?utm
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/afatinib
NOTE:
This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, side effects, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This is prescription medicine and if you want to buy this medication legally from Delightaid Health, we require a valid prescription from you. Please consult with your doctor before taking this medicine. Only your doctor can decide which medicine is good for you. Please read the disclaimer and prescription-related full details at the bottom of this website.
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