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Afatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for managing non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Afatinib is designed to cause irreversible inhibition of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinases. The FDA has approved afatinib for treating locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC characterized by nonresistant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Additionally, it is a second-line option for advanced squamous NSCLC. Beyond these applications, afatinib is being investigated as a monotherapy for individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer who have experienced progression despite management with trastuzumab. This activity aims to familiarize healthcare providers with afatinib's approved indications and mechanism of action while addressing potential adverse reactions and highlighting considerations regarding toxicity. Objectives: Identify the mechanism of action of afatinib. Determine the possible adverse effects of afatinib. Implement appropriate monitoring for patients undergoing afatinib therapy. Develop interprofessional team strategies for enhancing care coordination and communication to advance afatinib use and improve outcomes. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Limited research and data regarding toxic and therapeutic levels of afatinib are available. However, it has been reported to have a predictable and manageable profile in terms of side effects. Some severe adverse reactions have been identified, including hepatic impairment, dermatology complications, and rarely lung and cardiac complications. Afatinib should be dose-adjusted in case of concomitant treatment with P-glycoprotein inducers or inhibitors.[13]

Afatinib is an orally administered drug for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which was FDA-approved in 2013. Although this drug can easily be administered by patients orally as once-daily dosing, close follow-up with the oncologist or primary care clinician, specialty-trained nurses, and pharmacists are necessary during the treatment. Pharmacists are the best primary source for patients' questions or concerns. They can also perform medication reconciliation, verify dosing, and should report any issues to the prescribing physician or nurse. Nurses will encounter patients at follow-up visits and document medication adherence and signs of adverse events, which they should communicate with the rest of the interprofessional healthcare team. All interprofessional team members are responsible for reporting all interactions, observations, test results, and interventions in the patient's medical record; this allows all team members to operate from the same up-to-date information. Better communication between health care providers, patients, and pharmacists is recommended to improve patient care and build a better adverse effect profile, eventually leading to better patient care. This collaboration demonstrates the clinical benefit of an interprofessional healthcare team.