Description
Xovoltib 40mg (Afatinib Dimaleate) Tablets
Xovoltib 40mg Afatinib contains afatinib dimaleate, a kinase inhibitor used under specialist medical supervision for certain types of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In particular, treatment selection depends on the cancer type, molecular characteristics, previous treatment, and the patient’s overall health.
According to the product packaging, Xovoltib 40mg comes as 28 film-coated tablets. Because this medicine requires specialist supervision, patients should use it only according to the instructions of their oncologist or another qualified healthcare professional.
Xovoltib 40mg at a Glance
- Active ingredient: Afatinib dimaleate
- Strength: 40mg
- Drug class: Kinase inhibitor
- Medical use: Certain metastatic non-small cell lung cancers
- Common side effects: Diarrhea, rash, mouth inflammation, dry skin, nausea, and decreased appetite
- Administration: Usually taken once daily on an empty stomach when prescribed
- Prescription medicine: Yes
Xovoltib 40mg Afatinib Uses
Xovoltib 40mg Afatinib contains afatinib, which healthcare professionals use for certain types of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, the medicine belongs to the kinase inhibitor class and blocks specific signals involved in cancer-cell growth.
In the United States, approved afatinib products have indications for certain patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have qualifying non-resistant EGFR mutations. Furthermore, afatinib has an indication for certain metastatic squamous NSCLC cases that have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Therefore, afatinib does not treat every type of lung cancer. Instead, an oncologist should determine whether the medicine is appropriate after reviewing the diagnosis, molecular test results, previous treatment, and overall health.
For authoritative information, review the U.S. FDA information about afatinib.
Afatinib for Lung Cancer
Afatinib lung cancer treatment focuses on selected cases of metastatic NSCLC. In particular, doctors may consider this medicine when tumor testing identifies an appropriate EGFR mutation.
Consequently, molecular testing plays an important role in treatment selection. Your oncologist can explain which tests apply to your cancer and whether afatinib may provide a suitable treatment option.
Moreover, treatment decisions can depend on previous medicines, cancer progression, other medical conditions, and possible drug interactions. For that reason, patients should not start afatinib without appropriate medical evaluation.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus Afatinib information provides additional information about its medical uses and precautions.
What Is Afatinib Dimaleate?
Afatinib dimaleate is the salt form used in afatinib medicines. More specifically, afatinib belongs to the kinase inhibitor class and blocks several signaling pathways involved in cancer-cell growth.
As a result, the medicine can interfere with signals that help certain cancer cells grow and multiply. However, the response to treatment depends on the biological characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s individual treatment plan.
How Does Afatinib Work?
Afatinib blocks members of the ErbB receptor family, including signaling associated with EGFR. These pathways can contribute to cancer cell growth and survival.
By blocking these signals, the medicine can slow the growth of susceptible cancer cells. However, this mechanism does not mean that afatinib works for every lung cancer.
Therefore, appropriate diagnosis and molecular testing remain important before treatment. For patients with qualifying EGFR-mutated tumors, healthcare professionals use appropriate molecular testing to help guide treatment selection.
How to Take Xovoltib 40mg
Take Xovoltib 40mg exactly as prescribed by your oncologist or another qualified healthcare professional. Never change the dose or treatment schedule without medical advice.
Generally, afatinib is taken once daily on an empty stomach. For example, MedlinePlus advises taking afatinib at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
- Take the medicine at approximately the same time each day.
- Take it on an empty stomach as directed.
- Follow the exact dose prescribed for you.
- Do not take extra tablets.
- Do not stop treatment without professional advice.
- Attend recommended medical follow-up appointments.
For additional dosing information, consult the MedlinePlus Afatinib Drug Information.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Generally, if the next scheduled dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Consequently, you should not take two doses together to compensate for a missed tablet. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Afatinib 40mg Price
The afatinib price can vary according to the manufacturer, brand, tablet strength, pack size, availability, destination country, and pharmacy requirements.
For example, Xovoltib 40mg is shown on this page as a 28-tablet pack. However, product availability and pricing can change over time.
Therefore, check the current product listing for the latest price and availability information. You can also browse our online medicine shop or explore our medicine categories.
Afatinib Side Effects
Like other prescription medicines, afatinib can cause side effects. The severity can vary from one patient to another, and some reactions may require medical attention.
Common Afatinib Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Acneiform dermatitis
- Mouth sores or inflammation
- Dry skin
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Nail problems
In addition, diarrhea, rash, stomatitis, dry skin, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching, and nail-related problems appear among the commonly reported adverse reactions in U.S. prescribing information.
For a detailed safety review, consult the FDA afatinib information.
Serious Afatinib Side Effects
Some reactions require prompt medical attention. Therefore, contact your healthcare professional immediately if you develop severe or persistent symptoms.
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe skin reactions
- Blistering or peeling skin
- New or worsening breathing problems
- Shortness of breath
- Severe eye pain or redness
- Vision changes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Importantly, U.S. prescribing information includes warnings concerning diarrhea, serious skin reactions, interstitial lung disease, liver toxicity, gastrointestinal perforation, keratitis, and embryo-fetal toxicity.
Xovoltib 40mg Precautions
Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare professional about your complete medical history. In addition, provide a list of every medicine and supplement you currently use.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
- Report previous lung or breathing problems.
- Discuss existing eye conditions.
- Tell your healthcare professional about heart problems.
- Report any previous serious medicine reactions.
- Provide details about prescription medicines.
- Include over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding.
Furthermore, afatinib can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, limit unnecessary sun exposure and follow your healthcare professional’s advice about suitable sun protection.
Afatinib Drug Interactions
Afatinib can interact with other medicines. Consequently, your doctor or pharmacist should review your complete medication list before treatment.
Medicines and Products to Discuss With Your Doctor
- St. John’s wort
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and minerals
- Herbal products
- Other cancer medicines
- Medicines that may affect afatinib levels
For instance, MedlinePlus specifically advises patients to discuss St. John’s wort and other medicines or supplements with their doctor or pharmacist.
Similarly, some medicines can affect how the body handles afatinib. Therefore, never start or stop another medicine without discussing the change with your healthcare professional.
More information is available through MedlinePlus Afatinib Drug Information.
Afatinib Warnings
Prescription medicine: Xovoltib 40mg should be used under appropriate medical supervision.
Diarrhea warning: Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration. Therefore, contact your healthcare professional promptly if diarrhea becomes severe or persistent.
Lung warning: Afatinib can cause serious lung problems. Consequently, seek urgent medical attention for new or worsening breathing difficulties, cough, or shortness of breath.
Skin warning: Severe blistering, peeling, or other serious skin reactions require immediate medical evaluation.
Eye warning: Eye problems can occur during treatment. Report eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, or vision changes promptly.
Liver warning: Afatinib can cause liver toxicity. Your healthcare professional may perform blood tests to monitor liver function.
Gastrointestinal warning: Severe abdominal pain may require urgent medical evaluation.
Pregnancy warning: Afatinib may harm a developing fetus. People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should discuss pregnancy risks and contraception with their healthcare professional before treatment.
Breastfeeding: Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare professional before starting afatinib.
Xovoltib 40mg and Gilotrif
Gilotrif is a brand name for afatinib. However, Xovoltib and Gilotrif should not automatically be considered interchangeable simply because they contain the same active ingredient.
The manufacturer, formulation, strength, packaging, availability, and regulatory status can differ between products. Therefore, verify the exact product with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist before switching brands.
Additionally, the FDA has approved afatinib for specific metastatic NSCLC indications. In July 2026, the FDA announced approval of the first generic versions of Gilotrif (afatinib) tablets.
Read the FDA announcement about generic afatinib tablets for authoritative U.S. information.
Xovoltib 40mg and U.S. FDA Information
Important for U.S. customers: Afatinib is an FDA-approved medicine for specific cancer indications. Nevertheless, approval of afatinib does not automatically establish FDA approval for every brand, manufacturer, formulation, or product source.
In the United States, afatinib labeling covers specific metastatic NSCLC indications. Therefore, customers should verify the regulatory status of the specific Xovoltib product before purchasing or using it in the United States.
For authoritative information, consult the MedlinePlus Afatinib information, the FDA Afatinib information, and the FDA Online Label Repository.
Xovoltib 40mg Substitutes
The appropriate afatinib substitute depends on the cancer type, molecular profile, previous treatment, medical history, and treatment goals.
For example, another targeted cancer medicine may contain a different active ingredient and work through a different biological pathway. Consequently, patients should never replace afatinib with another cancer medicine without advice from their oncologist.
For additional products, visit our medicine shop or browse our medicine categories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xovoltib 40mg
What is Xovoltib 40mg?
Xovoltib 40mg is a product containing afatinib dimaleate. More specifically, afatinib belongs to the kinase inhibitor class and is used for certain types of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
What is Xovoltib 40mg used for?
Xovoltib 40mg contains afatinib, which may be prescribed for specific metastatic NSCLC cases when the patient meets the appropriate clinical and molecular criteria. Therefore, a qualified healthcare professional should determine whether treatment is appropriate.
What is afatinib 40mg?
Afatinib 40mg refers to a tablet containing afatinib at a 40mg strength. In appropriate patients, doctors use afatinib for certain metastatic non-small cell lung cancers.
What is afatinib dimaleate?
Afatinib dimaleate is the salt form used in afatinib medicines. As a kinase inhibitor, afatinib blocks specific signaling pathways involved in the growth of certain cancer cells.
Is afatinib used for lung cancer?
Yes. Afatinib is used for certain types of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. However, treatment selection depends on the cancer’s characteristics and, for relevant indications, qualifying EGFR mutation testing.
What are the common afatinib side effects?
Common afatinib side effects include diarrhea, rash, acneiform dermatitis, mouth inflammation, dry skin, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching, and nail problems.
How should afatinib 40mg be taken?
Generally, afatinib is taken once daily on an empty stomach when prescribed. For example, MedlinePlus recommends taking it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Always follow your individual prescription.
What is the price of Xovoltib 40mg?
The Xovoltib 40mg price depends on the manufacturer, pack size, availability, destination, and applicable pharmacy requirements. Therefore, check the current product listing for the latest price.
Is Xovoltib 40 mg FDA-approved in the USA?
Afatinib is an FDA-approved medicine for specific indications. However, that fact does not automatically establish FDA approval for every brand or product containing afatinib. U.S. customers should verify the regulatory status of the specific product and strength.
Can afatinib cause serious side effects?
Yes. Afatinib can cause serious diarrhea, skin reactions, lung inflammation, liver toxicity, gastrointestinal problems, eye problems, and fetal harm. Therefore, patients require appropriate medical supervision during treatment.
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U.S. Purchase and Regulatory Disclaimer
U.S. customers: Xovoltib 40mg is a prescription cancer medicine. Availability, dispensing, importation, and use of prescription medicines in the United States are subject to applicable federal and state laws.
We do not represent that Xovoltib 40mg (Afatinib Dimaleate) Tablets are FDA-approved for sale or dispensing in the United States under the Xovoltib brand name.
Furthermore, FDA approval of afatinib or another afatinib product does not automatically establish FDA approval of every brand, manufacturer, formulation, or source.
Customers in the United States should consult a licensed healthcare professional and verify the product’s regulatory status, prescription requirements, and legal eligibility before placing an order.
Do not purchase or use this medicine without appropriate medical advice and a valid prescription where required.
Medical Disclaimer
This product information is provided for general educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always follow the instructions provided by your oncologist, doctor, or pharmacist. Additionally, product information, packaging, pricing, availability, and regulatory requirements may vary between countries and can change over time.
If you experience severe diarrhea, difficulty breathing, serious skin reactions, vision changes, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or another serious symptom, seek urgent medical attention.
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