Afatinib
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Afatinib
cause?
- Diarrhea (may occur initially)
- Decreased appetite
- Mouth sores
- Acne, rash, dry skin, itching, skin redness
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as it may worsen the rash or acne, or cause sunburn. Use sunscreen and covered clothing if you need to be under the sun. - Nail infection
Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Diarrhea more than 4 times a day and not controlled by anti-diarrheal medicines
- Severe skin peeling or blistering
- Yellowing of the eyes of skin, tea-colored urine, severe right-sided stomach ache or unusual bruising
- Rapid or abnormal heartbeat, unusual tiredness, swelling of the hands and feet, or sudden weight gain
- Severe eye discomfort, sensitivity to light, blurred vision
- Fever, severe cough and shortness of breath
Before taking
Afatinib
, what precautions must I follow?
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- Have any other medical conditions
- Are taking any long-term medicines or supplements
- Have any history of eye problems or are using contact lenses
- Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment. Inform your doctor if you or your partner suspect or plan to get pregnant.