Anib 40 mg Tablet (Afatinib) – Targeted Therapy for NSCLC

Prescription Required | Strength: 40 mg | Generic: Afatinib 

 

Summary:

When non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves specific EGFR mutations, you need a treatment that targets those cancer cells directly. Anib 40 mg offers a targeted solution. It uses precision medicine to block cancer growth.

What is Anib 40 mg?

Anib 40 mg is a branded tablet whose active ingredient is Afatinib. It belongs to a class of cancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Unlike traditional chemotherapies that affect many cells, Afatinib targets specific molecular pathways that certain lung cancers depend on.

Anib is used primarily in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially when the tumor carries certain mutations in the EGFR gene.

Key Highlights

• Brand Name: Anib
• Generic Name: Afatinib
• Manufacturer: Drug International Ltd.
• Strength: 40 mg
• Therapeutic Class: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Antineoplastic)
• Form: Oral Tablet
• Storage: Below 30°C, away from light.
• Prescription Status: Prescription Required (Rx Only)

 

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How Does Anib Work? (Mechanism of Action)

Afatinib works by binding irreversibly to proteins in the ErbB receptor family — including EGFR (ErbB1), HER2 (ErbB2), and HER4 (ErbB4).

These receptors control signals that tell cells to grow, divide, or survive. In many NSCLC tumors, mutations in EGFR keep that “grow” signal turned on even without external growth signals. Afatinib blocks these signals by preventing the receptors from activating (auto- or trans-phosphorylation).

By shutting down the aberrant signaling, Afatinib can stop the growth of cancer cells and often trigger their destruction.

This broader inhibition (multiple ErbB receptors) is an advantage over earlier TKIs that only target EGFR reversibly.

 

Who Can Benefit: Indications & Patient Selection

Doctors prescribe Anib 40 mg for:

• Patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors carry sensitive (non-resistant) EGFR mutations (commonly exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R substitution).
• Patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC who have already undergone platinum-based chemotherapy and whose cancer progressed.

Important: The drug is not recommended if the tumor has resistant EGFR mutations (unless otherwise specified), since safety and efficacy are not established in those cases. 

Physicians should use an approved test to confirm the EGFR mutation before starting therapy.

 

Dosage and Administration of Anib 40 mg

Taking Anib 40 mg correctly is vital for its success. The medication is potent, and strict adherence to the schedule ensures the best results.

Recommended Dosage

• Standard Dose: 40 mg orally, once daily.
• Duration: Continue taking it until disease progression or until directed by your physician.

Dose Adjustments

• In case of severe side effects (e.g., high-grade diarrhea, skin reaction), your doctor may reduce the dose (e.g., step down by 10 mg).
• With severe kidney impairment, a reduced dose (e.g., 30 mg daily) may be considered.

 

Dosage for Renal Impairment

Kidney function affects how your body processes this drug.

• Severe Renal Impairment (eGFR 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m²): The recommended dose is reduced to 30 mg once daily.

How to Take It?

• Empty Stomach Only: You must take Anib at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Food can interfere with how the drug is absorbed.
• Swallow Whole: Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Missed Dose Rule

If you miss a dose, check the time:

• If the next dose is more than 12 hours away: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If the next dose is within 12 hours: Skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

 

Side Effects, Warnings & Monitoring

Like all potent cancer therapies, Anib 40 mg carries risk of adverse effects. Some are common and manageable; others are rare but serious.

Common Side Effects (≥ 20%)

• Diarrhea (very frequent, sometimes severe) 
• Skin rash / acne-like dermatitis 
• Stomatitis / mouth sores 
• Paronychia (nail bed inflammation) 
• Dry skin, pruritus, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting (less frequent) 
• In real-world analysis, combined incidence of any-grade skin rash ~ 71.4%, diarrhea ~ 70.4%, paronychia ~ 52.1%, mucositis ~ 36.5%. 
• Severe (grade ≥3) side effects occurred less often: diarrhea ~ 9.7%, skin rash ~ 5.8%, paronychia ~ 3.8%, mucositis ~ 2.1%.

Serious Warnings & Rare Risks

 Your doctor will monitor carefully. Key risks include: 

 

• Lung problems: In some patients, drug may cause inflammation or scarring of lung tissue (interstitial lung disease, ILD). If you notice new or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fever – seek care immediately. 
• Liver problems: Liver enzyme abnormalities occur. Periodic liver function tests may be required. Watch for jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), dark urine, or right-upper abdominal pain. 
• Eye problems / Keratitis: If you feel eye pain, redness, blurred vision or other vision changes –inform your doctor. Use of contact lenses may worsen risk. 
• Severe skin reactions: Rare but serious skin reactions (blistering, peeling) may require immediate discontinuation. 
• Electrolyte & kidney effects: Possible decreased creatinine clearance, low potassium. Kidney and electrolyte monitoring advised in certain patients.

 

Drug Interactions & Contraindications

Because Afatinib is processed via drug transporters (especially P-glycoprotein, P-gp), certain medications may affect its levels. 

• P-gp inhibitors (e.g., some antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, certain cardiovascular drugs) may increase Afatinib levels → higher risk of toxicity. Dose adjustment may be needed. 
• P-gp inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampin, herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort) may decrease Afatinib levels → risk of reduced efficacy. 

 

Always inform your oncologist / pharmacist of all medications — including OTC, supplements, and herbal products.

Contraindications / caution: severe liver disease, severe kidney impairment (unless dose adjusted), allergy to Afatinib components, pregnancy and breastfeeding (use effective contraception, avoid while on therapy).

 

Pricing and Availability 

Anib 40 mg offers a cost-effective alternative to international brands of Afatinib, making world-class cancer care more accessible.

• Availability: Prescription only. Available at UnitPharmacy.
• Insurance: Most major health insurance providers cover targeted cancer therapies. Check with your provider.
• Patient Assistance: Some manufacturers offer patient assistance programs. Ask your oncologist or pharmacy for details.

(Please consult the current listing price above or contact our support for the latest MRP).

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Frequently Asked Questions 

 

1. How long does Anib 40 mg take to work?

Response times vary. Some patients see symptom improvement (like reduced cough or pain) within a few weeks. Your doctor will use CT scans to monitor tumor shrinkage, typically every 8 to 12 weeks.

2. What should I eat while taking Anib?

Since diarrhea is a major side effect, focus on a low-fiber, bland diet. Good options include white rice, toast, chicken, and bananas. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with the enzyme pathways, though the primary interaction is via P-gp. Always take the pill on an empty stomach.

3. Is hair loss common with Anib?

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, total hair loss (alopecia) is rare with Anib. However, you might experience changes in hair texture, thinning, or inflammation around the hair follicles.

4. How long before I see results from Anib?

It varies. Some patients notice symptomatic relief (like less cough or pain) within a few weeks. For tumor shrinkage, doctors usually assess with CT scans every 8–12 weeks.

 

Conclusion 

Anib 40 mg (Afatinib) stands as a modern, effective targeted therapy for EGFR-mutation positive NSCLC. Clinical trials and real-world data confirm its ability to control disease, prolong progression-free survival, and offer a favorable quality-of-life compared to conventional chemotherapy.

If you suspect or know you have EGFR-mutated NSCLC, talk to your oncologist about Anib. Ask for an EGFR mutation test if not done. With the right mutation and careful monitoring, Anib can offer real benefit.

Ready to proceed? Confirm your prescription, check availability at your oncology pharmacy, and schedule regular follow-up for side effect management.

 

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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your registered physician.