Does anyone know anybody who has been offered a new drug called Afatinib? My partner has been offered this as Tarceva has stopped working.

[VeeJayBee]

[Billculbard]

Sorry, I don't know anything about this. Bill

[VeeJayBee in reply to Billculbard]

Thanks for replying anyway. Val.

[EmmaG]

Hi VeeJayBee,

This is a useful link with some information about Afatinib cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk...

Hope this helps.

Emma

[VeeJayBee in reply to EmmaG]

Hi Emma, thanks for that it was very helpful. It sounds identical to Tarceva it even has the same side effects. My partner is hoping to try this if he is eligible & can get the funding.

Val.

[JoannaHoyle Roy Castle in reply to VeeJayBee]

Hello VeeJayBee

I hope your husband is successful and wish you both all the very best. Best wishes, Joanna

[njrickard]

my wife has just started Afatinib two days ago as her tarceva also stopped working, good luck to you both and will keep you updated of side affects !

[VeeJayBee in reply to njrickard]

Thanks for your reply. Did your wifes oncologist have to apply for funding & if so how long did it take? We are hoping that it doesn't take too long & that he is accepted other than that the only other option is more chemo. I hope all goes well for your wife & the Afatinib is successful.

Val.

[njrickard]

Hi Val , it took a month to de agreed, we are in cornwall it may make a differance ? No side affects yet , she was on Tarceva for 18 months and she had all the side affects early on then they cleared up after about three months.

[VeeJayBee in reply to njrickard]

Hi, thanks for that information at least we have an idea of how long we might have to wait. We are in Lincolnshire by the way. Keith was on Tarceva for 11 months but the tumour had been slowly growing since Nov 2011 but it is now growing quicker. The side effects with the Tarceva were awful for keith, mainly his skin ,after coming off the Tarceva last week he still has a rash from head to toe but his face is the worst. So hopefully if he gets any side effects with the Afatinib they won't be any worse. Hope all is still well with your wife.

Val.

[njrickard in reply to VeeJayBee]

Hi Val how are things going , not been here for a while.

Nigel

[VeeJayBee in reply to njrickard]

Hi Nigel things not going too bad thanks. Keith started with the Afatinib on 11th June. The only side effects he has at the moment are mild diarrhoea a few spots on his face but very tired. He had a bone scan on 18th June to see if has spread to his bones we get the results on monday. How is your wife doing still ok I hope? I have had a bad few weeks just coping with everything but back on track again now.

Val.