For the Patient: LUAVAFAT

Other Names: First-line Treatment for Epidermal Growth

Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutation-Positive Patients with
Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with Afatinib

LU = LUng
AV = AdVanced
AFAT = AFATinib

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What is this drug used for?

Afatinib is a drug given to treat Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It is a tablet which is taken by
mouth.

How does this drug work?

Afatinib works by interfering with certain enzymes called tyrosine kinases that are important
in transmitting the chemical signals needed for essential processes like cell division and
replication in cancer cells.

INTENDED BENEFITS

This treatment is being given to slow down the growth of cancer cells in your body. This
treatment can help with controlling some of the symptoms the cancer may be causing and
may delay or prevent new symptoms from starting.

LUAVAFAT TREATMENT SUMMARY

How is this drug given?

• Afatinib is taken once a day, continuously, as long as you are benefiting from treatment
and not having too many side effects.
• Afatinib should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, and should be taken on an
empty stomach (1 hour before or 3 hours after food).
What will happen when I get the drug?
• A blood test is done within one month of starting treatment.
• A blood test is also done two weeks after starting treatment and each time you see your
oncologist.
• The dose and timing of your treatment may be changed based on your blood test results
and/or other side effects.

BC Cancer Protocol Summary (Patient Version) LUAVAFAT Page 1 of 4

Developed: 1 May 2015
Revised: 1 Aug 2019
SIDE EFFECTS AND MANAGEMENT:
• Your oncologist will review the risks of treatment and possible side effects with you
before starting treatment.
• The pharmacist will review how to take the medication and possible side effects with you
on the day you first pick up your medication.
• Unexpected and unlikely side effects can occur with any drug treatment. The ones
listed below are particularly important for you to be aware of. Please refer to the patient
information handout entitled “For the Patient: Afatinib” for a complete list of possible
side effects and their management.

SERIOUS MANAGEMENT
SIDE EFFECTS
Diarrhea commonly occurs Diarrhea must be treated immediately with
loperamide 2mg tablets (e.g., IMODIUM®):
• Take TWO tablets at the first sign of loose or more
frequent stools than usual.
• Then take ONE tablet with every loose stool, up to a
maximum of ten tablets per day. Continue until
diarrhea has stopped for 12 hours.
• NOTE: This dose is much higher than the
package directions. It is very important that you
take this higher dose to stop the diarrhea.
• Always keep a supply of loperamide on hand at
home. You can buy loperamide from any pharmacy
without a prescription.
• If diarrhea does not improve 24 hours after starting
loperamide or lasts more than 48 hours, call your
oncologist.
• NOTE: if lactose in milk usually gives your diarrhea,
the lactose in the afatinib tablet may be causing your
diarrhea. Take LACTAID® tablets just before your
afatinib dose.
Heart failure rarely occurs Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have
shortness of breath, fatigue or leg swelling. Rarely,
treatment can result in a failure of the heart’s pumping
action. If you are particularly susceptible to this because
of medical history and/or other heart medications, your
doctor will test your heart function throughout treatment.
Lung problems rarely occur Tell your doctor immediately or get emergency help if
you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough
or tightness in the chest.

BC Cancer Protocol Summary (Patient Version) LUAVAFAT Page 2 of 4

Developed: 1 May 2015
Revised: 1 Aug 2019
 SERIOUS MANAGEMENT
SIDE EFFECTS
Liver failure rarely occurs • Regular blood tests will be done throughout your
treatment to monitor your liver function.
• See your oncologist as soon as possible if you have
signs of liver problems such as yellow eyes or skin,
white or clay-colored stools.
Stomach or intestine Seek immediate emergency help if you experience
perforation (tear) rarely occurs severe stomach or abdominal pain, fever, chills or
changes in bowel habits.

OTHER MANAGEMENT
SIDE EFFECTS
Skin reactions such as rash, Exposure to sun might make this worse.
acne, itchiness or dryness • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning salons during
commonly occur treatment.
• Wear a hat, long sleeves, and long pants outside on
sunny days.
• Wear a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB
and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Apply liberally, 30 minute before exposure. Reapply
every 2 hours and after swimming.
If skin reactions are very irritating, contact your
oncologist. Otherwise, be sure to mention it at your next
visit.
Nail changes, including • Avoid trauma to nails or fingertips.
loosening or loss of the nail, and • Avoid harsh soaps, detergents and nail products.
swelling commonly occur • Keep hands clean and dry.
If nail changes interfere with your everyday activities, or
are painful, contact your oncologist. Otherwise, be sure
to mention it at your next visit.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PATIENT

What other drugs can interact with LUAVAFAT?
• Other drugs such as rifampin (RIFADIN®), and ritonavir (NORVIR®) may interact with
afatinib. Tell your doctor if you are taking these or any other drugs as you may need
extra blood tests, your dose may need to be changed or your treatment may need to be
held for a few days.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new prescription or
non-prescription drugs.
Other important things to know:
• The drinking of alcohol (in small amounts) does not appear to affect the safety or
usefulness of this treatment.

BC Cancer Protocol Summary (Patient Version) LUAVAFAT Page 3 of 4

Developed: 1 May 2015
Revised: 1 Aug 2019
• Afatinib may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. It is best to use birth control while
you are being treated with afatinib. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner
becomes pregnant. Do not breastfeed during treatment.
• Tell all doctors or dentists you see that you are being treated with afatinib before you
receive any treatment from them.

If you experience symptoms or changes in your body that have not been described in
“For the Patient: Afatinib” but worry you, or if any symptoms are severe, contact:
__________________________ at telephone number: __________________________

BC Cancer Protocol Summary (Patient Version) LUAVAFAT Page 4 of 4

Developed: 1 May 2015
Revised: 1 Aug 2019