Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Linden although I'm sorry for the reason you're joining us.

Do be sure to let your doctors know how tough this is for you, even with the reduced dose, as they'll be able to advise on how to manage these side effects or even let you know what other options may be available to you.

Hopefully some of our members who have been on Afatinib will get back to you soon but if you'd like to discuss this with one of our cancer nurses then do give them a call. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on 0808 800 4040.

I really hope things start to improve soon Linden.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello,sorry for late reply to this. 

I started on Afatinib in June,on 40mg,and had the worst reaction- pustules on my scalp,extremely bad facial acne( I'm 58!),nausea,sickness , diahrroea,and I lost my appetite completely,and lost about 2 and a half stone in a very short time- due to the fact I couldn't eat! In that time I was taken off the 40mg for 2 weeks(I broke my hip in the meantime!),and restarted on 30mg. I still have mild side affects,few acne spots, itchy skin,mild diahrroea ( manageable),runny nose,and slight cough,headaches,but I think this is better than the alternative! You may find your consultant,when you have spoken to them,may reduce it further,to 20mg,until your body gets used to it? I hope,by now,you are doing better,please let me know if you can!