What Is Xovoltib 50 mg?

The active ingredient is Afatinib dimaleate.

Xovoltib 50 is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim.

Therapeutic class: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI)/anti-cancer.

Used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with certain EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations.

How It Works

• Afatinib (Xovoltib) blocks several EGFR receptors (ErbB1, ErbB2/HER2, ErbB3, ErbB4) on cancer cells.

• By inhibiting these, it interferes with the signaling that promotes cancer cell growth and survival.

How to Use Xovoltib 50

Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor. Commonly 50 mg daily for some forms of NSCLC.

Administration: Take Xovoltib 50 on an empty stomach. According to 1mg, preferably “at least 1 hour before a meal or 3 hours after” a meal.

Swallow whole: Don’t chew or crush the tablet.

Consistency: Try to take it at the same time every day.

Common Side Effects

Some of the common side effects include:

• Diarrhea.

• Skin rash.

• Dry skin.

• Nausea / Vomiting.

• Loss of appetite.

• Itching.

• Mouth inflammation/sores (stomatitis).

• Nail disorders/infections.

• Other: dry eyes, runny nose, peeling / pain in hands-feet skin.

Less common or serious ones:

• Pancreas inflammation (rare).

• Severe skin reactions (rare).

• Breathing issues/lung inflammation.

Precautions & Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have lung problems, liver issues, kidney problems, or heart disease before starting.

Pregnancy / Breastfeeding: Not recommended.

Sun sensitivity: This drug can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen, protective clothes.

Alcohol: Use caution. Some sources say to avoid or limit.

Interactions: Important to tell your doctor about all other meds — there are potential interactions.

Monitoring: Your doctor may ask for blood tests to monitor side effects.

Fertility: May reduce fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about sperm/egg preservation if needed.

What to Do If Side Effects Appear

Diarrhea: Stay well hydrated; your doctor may prescribe an anti-diarrheal (like loperamide) if needed.

Rash / Skin Reactions: Use gentle skin care, avoid harsh sun exposure, and inform your doctor if severe.

Eye Symptoms: If there’s pain or redness in the eyes, or very dry eyes, let your oncologist know.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. Don’t double up.

Overdose / Severe Reaction: Seek medical help immediately.

Effectiveness

• This is not a cure for cancer in most cases, but a targeted therapy: it can slow down tumor growth, reduce tumor size, and improve survival / quality of life.

• The effect may take weeks to months to become noticeable.

Bottom Line

Xovoltib 50 mg is a powerful targeted cancer drug (Afatinib) for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

It requires strict medical supervision, regular monitoring, and good adherence to how and when you take it.

Side effects are common but manageable — talk to your doctor immediately about any you experience.

Don’t start or stop this medicine on your own.