Open AccessFirst reported case of afatinib‐associated toxic megacolon
Author(s) -
Kwok Wang Chun,
Tam Terence Chi Chun,
Lam David Chi Leung
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.360
Subject(s) - toxic megacolon , medicine , afatinib , complication , perforation , megacolon , adverse effect , diarrhea , intensive care medicine , surgery , gastroenterology , cancer , disease , ulcerative colitis , materials science , epidermal growth factor receptor , erlotinib , punching , metallurgy
We report the first case of toxic megacolon associated with afatinib use, which is a potentially fatal complication, with risks of colonic perforation. In this case, the condition improved on stopping afatnib. Clinicians need to be alert of this rare but fatal adverse effect and to avoid anti‐diarrhoeal agents, which can worsen toxic megacolon. Anti‐diarrhoeal agents are routinely given if diarrhoea occurs on afatinib. These should be stopped and avoided if toxic megacolon occurs.