Xovoltib 50mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Boehringer Ingelheim
Salt Composition
Afatinib dimaleate (50mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Xovoltib 50mg 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 50mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
Safety Information
Side Effects
Diarrhea Rash Dry skin Nausea
Alcohol Warning
Consuming alcohol with Xovoltib 50mg Tablet does not cause any harmful side effects.
Breastfeeding Warning
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Pregnancy Warning
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
How it works
Xovoltib 50mg 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 50mg Tablet for the treatment of certain type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer). Take Xovoltib 50mg Tablet on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Diarrhea is common with Xovoltib 50mg Tablet and may sometimes be severe. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat diarrhea. Stay hydrated and take this medicine exactly as directed. Xovoltib 50mg 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 50mg 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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Xovoltib 50mg Tablet an immunotherapy or chemotherapy?
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet is not an immunotherapy nor conventional chemotherapy. It belongs to the class of kinase inhibitors used for treating cancer. This medication works by blocking a group of proteins, known as kinases. These protein groups are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking their activity, Xovoltib 50mg Tablet stops cancer cell growth and proliferation.
How long does it take for Xovoltib 50mg Tablet to work?
The peak levels of Xovoltib 50mg Tablet are reached within 2-5 hours after administration. However, a noticeable effect on cancer progression may not be apparent immediately. While symptoms may improve, the effectiveness of this medication is determined through specific parameters and may take weeks or months to observe.
How should I take Xovoltib 50mg Tablet?
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet is taken orally without food at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after meals. Swallow the entire tablet with water without crushing or breaking it. Take this medication once daily at a consistent time each day for easier dosage management. If swallowing difficulty arises, dissolve the tablet in a glass of water. Avoid using other liquids instead of water when dissolving the tablet.
Does Xovoltib 50mg Tablet affect fertility?
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet may reduce fertility in both men and women. Therefore, if you have concerns about fertility, consult your doctor, who might suggest sperm or egg preservation before initiating treatment.
Can Xovoltib 50mg Tablet be given alongside chemotherapy?
There are no supporting studies suggesting the combination of Xovoltib 50mg Tablet with other chemotherapy medications. This medication is used to treat specific types of lung cancer when prior chemotherapy has been insufficient.
Can Xovoltib 50mg Tablet cure lung cancer?
Xovoltib 50mg Tablet cannot cure lung cancer but can prolong the patient's survival. It may also reduce tumor size.
What should I avoid while taking Xovoltib 50mg Tablet?
You must avoid sun exposure as Xovoltib 50mg Tablet can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This might result in severe sunburn, rash or acne, potentially worsening existing skin conditions. Therefore, use sunscreen and wear a hat before exposing yourself to the sun.
What should I do if I experience diarrhea from Xovoltib 50mg Tablet?
Diarrhea is a common side effect of Xovoltib 50mg Tablet. Severe diarrhea can lead to excessive fluid loss (dehydration) and kidney problems, which may be life-threatening. If you notice diarrhea, begin drinking plenty of fluids immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will start appropriate antidiarrheal treatment (e.g., loperamide) immediately. They may also consider reducing your dose or discontinuing the medication in case of severe diarrhea.
