Description
About Afzeta 30 mg Tablet
Afzeta 30 mg Tablet contains 30 mg of afatinib per tablet, supplied as a pack of 30 tablets. Afatinib is a targeted anticancer medicine — a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the ErbB family — swallowed whole, and prescribed and supervised by a cancer specialist.
How it works
Some lung cancers grow because of a fault in a cell-surface receptor called EGFR, which becomes stuck in the “on” position and drives the cell to keep dividing. Afatinib binds to that receptor and to its relatives HER2 and HER4, and does so irreversibly, blocking the growth signal they send into the cell.
What it is used for
Afatinib is used in non-small cell lung cancer that has spread, where testing has shown the tumour carries an activating EGFR mutation, and in certain squamous non-small cell lung cancers that have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. Testing of the tumour decides whether it is suitable. The 30 mg strength is one of several; which one applies is decided by the treating specialist.
Important: this is not a skin medicine
Afzeta is a tablet taken by mouth for cancer. It is not a treatment for acne or rosacea, and it is not applied to the skin. An acne-like rash is in fact a common side effect of afatinib, not something it treats.
Safety and monitoring
Diarrhoea is the most common serious effect and can begin early; it can lead to dehydration and kidney problems if untreated, so report it rather than waiting. The acne-like rash is common, and skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Tell your doctor about new or worsening breathlessness or cough, which may need investigation for inflammation in the lungs, and about eye pain, redness or changes in vision. Liver function is monitored during treatment.
Prescription and storage
A prescription is required, and treatment is given under the supervision of a cancer specialist. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.
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