Gilotrif (afatinib) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer in adults. Like other drugs, Gilotrif can cause side effects, such as skin rash, diarrhea, and mouth sores.

Gilotrif can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Gilotrif in clinical trials:

  • stomatitis (mouth sores)
  • nausea, vomiting, or both
  • mild diarrhea*
  • mild skin reactions*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Mild side effects can occur with Gilotrif use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Gilotrif’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Gilotrif include:

  • stomatitis
  • decreased appetite
  • nausea, vomiting, or both
  • nail infection
  • nosebleeds
  • runny nose
  • fever
  • unintentional weight loss
  • mild diarrhea*
  • mild skin reactions*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews the side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Gilotrif and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Although not common, Gilotrif may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Gilotrif’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Gilotrif, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • interstitial lung disease (inflammation in the lungs), which may include symptoms such as:
    • cough
    • shortness of breath
    • fever
    • chest pain
  • gastrointestinal perforation (a tear in your stomach or intestines), which may include symptoms such as:
    • severe abdominal pain
    • fever
    • nausea or vomiting
    • dizziness
  • keratitis (inflammation in the eye), which may include symptoms such as:
    • cloudy or blurry vision
    • eye pain, redness, or swelling
    • sensitivity to light
  • liver problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • feeling more tired than usual
    • abdominal pain
    • dark-colored urine
    • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eye)
  • heart problems, which may include symptoms such as:
    • shortness of breath
    • swelling in the ankles or legs
    • cough
    • fatigue
  • severe diarrhea*
  • severe skin reactions*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Gilotrif can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Gilotrif, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Gilotrif may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Gilotrif compare with those seen with Tagrisso?

Gilotrif and Tagrisso are both targeted cancer therapies that cause similar side effects. However, some side effects are different.

Gilotrif and Tagrisso both commonly cause mild side effects such as skin reactions,* diarrhea,* and mouth sores. Tagrisso can also cause muscle pain, cough, and fatigue while Gilotrif can cause eye problems and nosebleeds.

Severe side effects reported for both Gilotrif and Tagrisso include keratitis, severe skin reactions, and lung problems. Gilotrif can also cause liver problems and GI perforation, while Tagrisso can cause anemia and QT prolongation.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the different side effects of Gilotrif and Tagrisso.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

How long do side effects of Gilotrif last?

Some side effects, such as skin problems, may continue during the entire time you’re taking Gilotrif. It’s important to remember that Gilotrif is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. You’ll take it as long as it’s working for you and the side effects are manageable. Most side effects will go away within a month or two after you stop taking Gilotrif.

Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Gilotrif to help manage side effects throughout your treatment. In some cases, they may have you temporarily stop taking Gilotrif and then start treatment again at a lower dose. They may also prescribe medications or suggest ways for you to prevent or help manage your side effects so that you can continue Gilotrif treatment.

Talk with your doctor for more information on what side effects to expect and how long they will last. Don’t adjust your dose or stop taking Gilotrif without first talking with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Gilotrif may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Gilotrif.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common side effect reported in Gilotrif’s clinical trials. Diarrhea is typically mild but, in some cases, can be severe. Severe diarrhea may cause you to lose too much body fluid, leading to dehydration and kidney problems, which can sometimes be life threatening.

What you can do

Your doctor will likely give you a medication, such as loperamide (Imodium), when you start treatment with Gilotrif. This is to help with diarrhea. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated if you have diarrhea. Drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade can help replace electrolytes and fluids to help prevent dehydration.

Your doctor may also recommend adjusting your diet to help manage diarrhea. This may include eating plain foods such as rice, applesauce, bananas, and toast until your diarrhea eases.

Talk with your doctor right away if your diarrhea doesn’t go away within 48 hours or becomes severe. They may recommend temporarily stopping treatment until it eases.

Skin reactions

Skin reactions were a common side effect reported during treatment with Gilotrif in the drug’s clinical trials. These skin reactions were typically mild.

Mild skin reactions may include:

Less frequently, Gilotrif can cause severe skin reactions, such as blistering or peeling of the skin or blisters in your mouth, that may become life threatening.

Additional severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which can also cause skin blistering and peeling, were reported after the drug was approved for use.

What you can do

Try to lower the time you spend in the sun as much as possible during treatment with Gilotrif. You can apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat, when you do have to go out in the sun. This can help lower the risk and severity of skin reactions.

Talk with your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin, such as dry skin, itching, or acne. They can recommend a treatment to help manage your symptoms and ease discomfort. In some cases, if you have a skin reaction that doesn’t go away or is bothersome, your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping treatment until your symptoms get better.

If you notice severe skin reactions, such as blistering or peeling, see your doctor right away. Severe reactions can be life threatening. Your doctor may recommend treatment in a hospital.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Gilotrif.

Other precautions

Before taking Gilotrif, discuss your health history with your doctor. Gilotrif may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • heart problems
  • breathing or lung problems
  • eye problems, such as severe dry eye
  • wearing contact lenses
  • liver or kidney problems
  • history of stomach or intestine problems
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.