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Brand name Xovaltib is available immediately in English packaging manufactured by Boehringer in Europe.
Information about Xovoltib (Afatinib)
Xovoltib is an oral targeted therapy used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Afatinib, the active ingredient in Xovoltib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that works by blocking the activity of certain proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells, particularly those with EGFR mutations. By inhibiting EGFR and other related pathways, Xovoltib can slow down or stop the progression of cancer.
Product Highlights
- Xovoltib is approved for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer in adults who have tumors with specific EGFR mutations.
- It is often used as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC who have EGFR-positive tumors and who have not received prior treatment.
- Xovoltib is particularly effective in patients whose tumors harbor specific mutations in the EGFR gene, a common driver of NSCLC.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Xovoltib specifically targets EGFR mutations, which are common in NSCLC, especially in patients who have not been treated with other therapies. This makes it an effective treatment option with potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
- Studies have shown that Xovoltib can improve progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with EGFR-positive metastatic NSCLC.
- Xovoltib is an oral tablet, making it convenient for patients compared to intravenous chemotherapy, which requires hospital visits.
- Xovoltib can be used in patients who have developed resistance to first-generation EGFR inhibitors, offering an option for continued disease control.
Direction of Use
- The typical starting dose of Xovoltib is 40 mg once daily. The dosage may be modified depending on how the patient responds to the treatment and their tolerance.
- Xovoltib should be taken by mouth, with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water, and it should not be crushed or chewed.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you recall, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.
- It is important to take Xovoltib at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects of Xovoltib include diarrhea, rash, mouth sores, and nausea. These are usually manageable but should be monitored by your healthcare provider.
- Diarrhea can be severe in some patients and may require dose adjustments, treatment with anti-diarrheal medications, or even temporary discontinuation of the drug.
- Xovoltib can cause liver problems, such as liver enzyme elevations. Liver function tests should be conducted regularly to check for any potential signs of liver damage.
- Rash, acneiform rash, and other skin-related side effects are common with Xovoltib, and they can be severe in some cases.
- Though rare, Xovoltib can cause lung problems, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD), which can be fatal. If symptoms like difficulty breathing, cough, or fever occur, patients should contact their doctor immediately.
- Eye problems, such as keratitis, may occur. It is important to monitor for eye symptoms and report them promptly.
Avoid Xovoltib (Afatinib) If
- If you have a known allergy to afatinib or any other components of the formulation, you should avoid taking Xovoltib.
- Xovoltib may not be appropriate for patients with severe liver impairment, as it can cause further liver toxicity.
- If you have a history of ILD or other serious lung problems, you should avoid Xovoltib, as it can exacerbate these conditions.
- Xovoltib can cause harm to a developing fetus. It should not be used during pregnancy, and effective contraception should be used during treatment.
- It is not known whether afatinib passes into breast milk, so it should not be used while breastfeeding.
