Xovoltib 20 mg (Afatinib Dimaleate)

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

Xovoltib 20 mg Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in the treatment of adult patients who have certain mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Xovoltib 20 mg Tablet should be taken on an empty stomach, but try to have it at the same time every day to get the most benefits. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it.

This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

The most common side effects of this medicine include diarrhea, rash, dry skin, and nausea. Diarrhea can be serious sometimes so take medicine to treat it as prescribed by the doctor or stay hydrated. Your doctor may advise for some blood tests while you are taking this medicine.  It may also make your skin sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight. Inform your doctor if you notice pain or redness in the eye or dry eye.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have a breathing problem, liver, or kidney problems, or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The use of effective contraception by females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.

Uses of Xovoltib 20 mg tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Xovoltib 20 mgTablet is to be taken empty stomach.

• Treats metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in affected individuals
• Treats metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer which had a limited/insufficient response to platinum-based chemotherapy

How Xovoltib 20 mgtablet works

Xovoltib 20 mg Tablet is an anti-cancer medication. It works by binding and inhibiting the enzyme receptors (EGFR, HER2, and HER4) that are responsible for the growth of cancer cells. Hence, resulting in the downregulation of signaling pathways. This is how it to stop or slow the spread of cancer.

Xovoltib 20 mg TABLET works by blocking the activity of a group of proteins called ErbB1, ErbB2 (HER2), ErbB3 and ErbB4 in the cancer cells which are required for the growth and spread of cancer cells that gets inhibited resulting in the inhibited growth and spread of the cancer cells.

Side effects of Xovoltib 20 mg

COMMON

• Diarrhea
• Skin reactions such as dry skin, skin rash, itching, lip inflammation
• Runny nose
• Dry eye
• Mouth sores and inflammation
• Nail infection
• Reduced desire to eat (decreased appetite)
• Bleeding from nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain, redness, swelling or peeling of skin of your hands and feet
• Frequent burning sensation during urination, urgent need to urinate (cystitis)
• Abnormal taste sensation (dysgeusia)
• Stomach pain, indigestion, heartburn
• Weight loss
• Muscle spasms
• Fever

UNCOMMON

• Bloating, loss of appetite or sweating due to inflammation of the pancreas (a gland that controls blood sugar level in our body)
• Severe stomach pain and tenderness due to tear in stomach or intestine

FAQs

1.Is Xovoltib 20mg Tablet an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?

Xovoltib 20mg Tablet is neither an immunotherapy nor a conventional chemotherapy. It belongs to kinase inhibitors class of anti-cancer medicines. It works by blocking a group of proteins.

These proteins are known to be involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking the activity of these proteins, Xovoltib 20mg Tablet stops the cancer cells from growing and multiplying.

2.How long does it take for Xovoltib 20mg Tablet to work?

The peak levels of Xovoltib 20mg Tablet are reached 2-5 hours after taking it. However, it may take weeks or months to see a noticeable change in the progression of cancer.

The symptoms may improve visibly, but the effectiveness of Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.

3.How should I take Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?

Xovoltib 20mg Tablet is taken by mouth without food, at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Swallow the complete tablet with water without crushing or breaking it.

Take this medicine once daily at about the same time each day. This will make it easier to remember to take this medicine. If you have difficulty in swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass of water. Do not use any other liquid instead of water.

Drop the tablet into the water without crushing it and stir occasionally for up to 15 minutes until the tablet is broken up into very small particles. Drink the liquid straight away. Then refill the glass with water and drink it to make sure all medicine is taken.

4.Does Xovoltib 20mg Tablet have any effect on fertility?

 Tablet may decrease fertility in both men and women Therefore, if you have any concerns regarding fertility, talk to your doctor who might suggest sperm or egg preservation before starting treatment.

5.Can Xovoltib 20mg Tablet be given along with chemotherapy?

There are no supporting studies to suggest that Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines.Tablet is used to treat specific type of lung cancer when the prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.

6.Can Xovoltib 20mg Tablet cure lung cancer?

No,  Tablet cannot cure lung cancer, but it prolongs the survival of the patient. It may also reduce the size of the tumor.

7.What should I avoid while taking Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?

You should avoid sun exposure as  Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. You may get a severe sunburn or may develop rash or acne or it may get worsened.

Therefore, use sunscreen and wear a hat before moving out in the sun. Wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to go out in the sun.

8.Can I do something if I get diarrhea due to Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?

Diarrhea is a very common side effect of  Tablet. Severe diarrhea can cause excessive loss of body fluids (dehydration) and kidney problems that can sometimes lead to death. Start drinking plenty of fluids at the first signs of diarrhea and contact your doctor immediately.

The doctor will start the appropriate antidiarrheal treatment (e.g. loperamide) as soon as possible. The doctor may also reduce your dose or discontinue the therapy if you develop severe diarrhea.