Gilotrif

• Risk factors: Kidney problems

Gilotrif (afatinib) causes diarrhea in most people, typically within 6 weeks of starting this medication. Sometimes, diarrhea can be life-threatening because it can lead to serious loss of fluids and electrolytes (dehydration). If you develop any diarrhea, let your provider know right away so they can let you know if you need immediate medical attention. Depending on how severe the diarrhea, your provider might ask you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib) for a little while or lower your dose. Your provider might also have you take an anti-diarrhea medication, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), until the diarrhea has stopped for at least 12 hours.

Gilotrif (afatinib) commonly causes skin reactions, such as rash, itchy skin, and acne-like bumps. Though rare, some people have also experienced more serious reactions, such as painful blisters, peeling of the skin, and hand-foot syndrome. If you develop a skin reaction with Gilotrif (afatinib) , your provider might have you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib) for a little while or lower your dose. In serious cases, they might have you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib). Let your provider know right away if you notice a rash, peeling or blistering of the skin, or blisters in your mouth.

Rarely, Gilotrif (afatinib) can cause serious lung problems, like interstitial lung disease (ILD). If you have breathing problems, your provider might tell you to stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib) while they figure out what’s causing these problems. If they find that you have ILD caused by Gilotrif (afatinib), your provider will probably tell you to stop taking this medication. Let your provider know if you develop any new or worsening breathing problems (e.g., dry cough, trouble breathing, or fever).

Gilotrif (afatinib) can raise the level of certain liver enzymes in your body, which might lead to liver problems. You’ll need to get regular blood tests done while taking this medication to make sure that your liver is healthy. If you develop any severe liver problems, your provider might have you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib). Let your provider know if you experience tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, right-side stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, as these can be symptoms of liver problems.

• Risk factors: Older adults | Taking medications that raise the risk for stomach or intestine damage | Stomach ulcers or inflamed intestine

Though rare, some people people who took Gilotrif (afatinib) during clinical trials have reported tears or damage in the stomach or intestines. The risk for stomach tears is higher if you’re also taking medications that can cause damage to your stomach (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids). If you experience a stomach tear, your provider will have you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib). Let your provider know right away if you experience any severe stomach pain while taking Gilotrif (afatinib).

• Risk factors: Severe dry eye | Redness and swelling of the cornea (clear layer on the outside of the eye) | Wearing contact lens

Some people reported cornea redness and swelling while receiving Gilotrif (afatinib) treatment. These problems made them more sensitive to light, and led to watery eyes, blurry vision, and eye pain. Let your provider know if you experience any of these eye problems. They might have you stop taking Gilotrif (afatinib) while they figure out what’s causing these problems.

Gilotrif (afatinib) hasn’t been studied during human pregnancies, but animal studies show that it can cause harm to unborn babies and to pregnant mothers. If you're able to become pregnant, you should use birth control while receiving Gilotrif (afatinib) and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.