Xovoltib 20mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Boehringer Ingelheim
Salt Composition
Afatinib dimaleate (20mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Xovoltib 20mg Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Xovoltib 20mg 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.
Directions for Use
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 20mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
How it works
Xovoltib 20mg 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.
Quick Tips
You have been prescribed Xovoltib 20mg Tablet for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). Take Xovoltib 20mg Tablet on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Diarrhea is common with Xovoltib 20mg Tablet and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed. Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you have to be in sunlight. Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can cause redness, rash, and acne. Get treatment for skin reactions as soon as you notice them. Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for a month after you stop taking it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking this medication. Inform your doctor if you notice symptoms of very high blood pressure such as severe headache, confusion, problems with your eyesight, nausea or vomiting. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Related Medicines
Frequently asked questions
What type of medicine is Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?
Xovoltib 20mg Tablet is a kinase inhibitor, a class of anti-cancer medicines that works by blocking a group of proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
How long does it take for Xovoltib 20mg Tablet to start working?
The peak levels of Xovoltib 20mg Tablet are reached 2-5 hours after taking it, but it may take weeks or months to see a noticeable change in the progression of cancer. The effectiveness of Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can be confirmed only after determining certain parameters.
How should I take Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?
Take Xovoltib 20mg Tablet 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. If you have difficulty swallowing the tablet, dissolve it in a glass 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 ensure all medicine is taken.
Can Xovoltib 20mg Tablet affect fertility?
Xovoltib 20mg Tablet may decrease fertility in both men and women. If you have any concerns regarding fertility, talk to your doctor, who may suggest sperm or egg preservation before starting treatment.
Can Xovoltib 20mg Tablet be used with chemotherapy?
There are no supporting studies to suggest that Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can be used along with other chemotherapy medicines. Xovoltib 20mg Tablet is used to treat specific types of lung cancer when prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.
Can Xovoltib 20mg Tablet cure lung cancer?
No, Xovoltib 20mg Tablet cannot cure lung cancer, but it can prolong the survival of the patient and may also reduce the size of the tumor.
What should I avoid while taking Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?
Avoid sun exposure as Xovoltib 20mg Tablet can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen and wear a hat before going out in the sun, and wear clothes that cover your skin if you have to go out in the sun.
What should I do if I get diarrhea due to Xovoltib 20mg Tablet?
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Xovoltib 20mg Tablet. 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, and may reduce your dose or discontinue the therapy if you develop severe diarrhea.
