Gilotrif Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the second-most common type of cancer, primarily caused by smoking. Up to 85% of all lung cancers are non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is relatively unresponsive to chemotherapy. There are many subsets of NSCLC, depending on certain mutations occurring within the tumor cells.

Marketed Internationally as Giotrif

In some countries, Gilotrif is sold under the brand name Giotrif.

Active Ingredients

Gilotrif contains the active ingredient afatinib, which belongs to a class of drugs known as kinase inhibitors. These drugs bind to proteins present within cancer tumors, slowing or stopping their growth.

Generic Gilotrif Alternative

Generic alternatives to Gilotrif are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Gilotrif and What Is It Used For?

Gilotrif is prescribed to patients with non-small cell lung cancer which has spread to other parts of the body. Before starting treatment, the tumor needs to be tested for a particular genetic mutation that makes it more responsive to treatment. If so, Gilotrif can slow down or stop the growth of tumor cells.

Usage and Application

Before sourcing Gilotrif online, please read the medication guide provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Contact them in the event you have any questions.

Gilotrif should be taken exactly as prescribed, at least one hour before (or two hours after) meals, typically once daily. Dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications they are prescribed. Patients should inform their physician about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements they are taking.

In order to experience Gilotrif’s full benefit, patients must take it regularly. It is recommended to take Gilotrif at the same time each day to avoid forgetting.

Patients should not increase doses, neither should they take the medication more often/ longer than prescribed. This will not cause faster improvement, and it increases the risk of serious side effects.

Gilotrif may harm a fetus. Pregnant women (or those who may be pregnant) should not handle this drug as it can be absorbed through the skin and lungs. Avoid touching tablets and make sure to avoid breathing in their dust.

Considerations Before Taking Gilotrif

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Gilotrif. This product may also contain inactive ingredients which cause allergies. Ask your pharmacist for more information.

If you shop for Gilotrif online, note that you may encounter the drug under its generic name: afatinib.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially liver and kidney disease. Eye disease like severe dry eye and keratitis (and contact lens use) should also be mentioned.

Giotrif may cause blurred vision. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or perform any activity that requires clear vision until they are sure they can be done safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Some patients experience increased sun sensitivity. It is important to limit time in the sun and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Patients should use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Contact your doctor right away in the event of sunburn, skin blisters, and/or redness.

Before surgery, patients should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products they are taking.

Gilotrif may be harmful to unborn babies and is therefore not recommended for use during pregnancy. While taking this drug, female patients must use reliable birth control methods. Patients should continue to protect against pregnancy for at least two weeks after Gilotrif treatment ends. In the event of pregnancy, patients should alert their doctor immediately.

Women who are pregnant – or who may become pregnant – should not handle Gilotrif or breathe the dust from the tablets.

It is not known whether Gilotrif passes into breast milk but due to the risk involved, breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended. Nursing mothers should also avoid breastfeeding for at least two weeks after their last dose. Women should consult their doctor before breast feeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Gilotrif may take it within 12 hours of forgetting. After the 12-hour mark, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double their dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Gilotrif

Drug interactions may change the way Gilotrif works, and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Rifamycin antibiotics like rifabutin (e.g. Mycobutin) can affect the removal of Gilotrif from the body, affecting the way it works. Certain drugs used to treat seizures, like phenytoin and phenobarbital, have a similar effect. The list also includes St. John's wort.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult your physician before buying Gilotrif online.

Adverse Reactions

Many patients are able to take Gilotrif safely without serious side effects.

Common side effects include acne, mouth sores, dry and/or itchy skin, and pain, redness, or swelling of the lips. Nosebleeds and a runny nose are additional common side effects. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Patients should contact their doctor or pharmacist should any of these effects persist or worsen.

Another common side effect is diarrhea. Patients should drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration. Some patients may need to take anti-diarrhea medications (e.g. loperamide).

Contact your doctor immediately in the event of the following symptoms: severe or persistent diarrhea, thirst, decreased urination, unusual dry mouth, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects include signs of eye disease: vision changes, eye redness and/or pain, light sensitivity, and eye discharge. Some patients may develop low levels of potassium in the blood. This manifests through symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heartbeat.

Patients should monitor for signs of bladder infection: fever, urgent/frequent urination, and burning or pain while urinating. The list of serious side effects also includes skin infection around the nails and/or toenails. Patients may experience skin irritation and redness around the nails, as well as a change in nail color.

Seek immediate medical attention in the event of lung problems (e.g. trouble breathing and chest pain) and heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, swelling of the ankles and/or feet, unusual or sudden weight gain).

In rare cases, some patients may experience serious – and possibly fatal – liver disease. It is important to seek immediate medical help in the event of symptoms like darkening urine, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and the yellowing of eyes and/or skin.

Some patients may experience a mild rash that is not serious. However, it could be difficult to tell it apart from a rare rash signifying severe allergic reaction. Patients should alert their doctor if they develop any rash.

Serious allergic reactions to Gilotrif are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergic symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Gilotrif

Gilotrif should be stored at room temperature, in the original container. Keep this drug away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should never be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.