What is Osimertinib?
Why use Osimertinib?
Doctors recommend taking Tagrisso (osimertinib) to treat certain types of lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. EGFR is a protein layer, seen on the surface of cells. It plays a vital role in cancer cell growth and multiplication.
When an EGFR mutation occurs, cancer cells grow and multiply rapidly. In this situation, doctors often recommend Tagrisso (osimertinib) either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other effective medications to specifically target EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Osimertinib can be used to treat advanced NSCLC that has spread to nearby tissues and is no longer surgically removable. It is best for people who have already undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
How Does it Work?
What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Taking This Medicine?
Heart disease
History of blood diseases, such as aplastic anaemia
High or low levels of magnesium, potassium, or sodium in your blood
Eye disease
Lung dysfunction
Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
Other medications or supplements that you are currently consuming
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
Most Common Side Effects
Blood disorders
Rash
Diarrhea
Nail changes such as swelling, pain, redness, breaking, separation, or loss from the nail bed
Muscle or bone pain
Tiredness
Dry skin
Mouth sores
Anxiety
Chest pain
Dizziness or fainting
Suddenly, a severe headache
Breathing trouble
Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
Slurred speech
Constipation
Itching
Dry or cracking skin
Less Common Osimertinib Side Effects
Severe Allergic Reactions: By consuming Tagrisso, people may experience some serious allergic reactions. Stop consuming it and consult with your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction:
Joint pain
Breathing problems or wheezing
Uneven heartbeat
Swollen lymph nodes
Nausea or vomiting
Cramps in the stomach
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Fever or general ill feeling
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin are called hives
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Lung Inflammation: Interstitial lung disease or inflammation in your lungs is another serious Osimertinib side effect. This can be life-threatening if it remains untreated for a long time. Do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you face breathing issues, breath shortness, wheezing, or chest tightness. Prolonged cough and/or fever are additional symptoms of lung inflammation.
Rhythmic Changes in Heart: Tagrisso may cause heart rhythm issues, leading to an irregular heartbeat and fainting problems. This may lead to cardiac arrest, causing the heart to stop beating suddenly. Opt for emergency help if you experience any of the following signs in your heart:
Intense chest pain
Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
Changes in your heart rate can include a fast or slow heartbeat, and you may sometimes experience a pounding or skipping sensation.
Drastic Skin Reactions: While Osimertinib is an effective treatment for EGFR-positive lung cancer, it is important to be aware of severe Osimertinib side effects that can occur, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). These are serious skin reactions that can be life-threatening if left untreated:
Painful skin
Red or purple skin that looks burned
Red rashes or blisters on your skin, genitals, mouth, and nose
Painful, watery eyes with redness
Disorders in Blood: Some patients suffer from blood infections after consuming osimertinib for a period. These include thrombocytopenia or low platelet levels, leukopenia or low white blood cell levels, and aplastic anaemia. Do not take Tagrisso and reach out to a healthcare provider if you identify any of the following symptoms:
Pale or yellowish skin
Bleeding or easy bruising
Frequent blood infection
Headache
Abnormal heartbeat
Feeling like you are about to pass out
Critical Immune System Reactions: By taking Tagrisso, some patients may experience inflammation of the liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels. This immune system reaction is also known as cutaneous vasculitis.
Purple spots, redness,
Skin discolouration that does not fade after pressing it
Large hives on a significant part of your body (torso)
Severe level of rashes
Joint pain
Persistent Fever
Tiredness for a longer period
Rare Osimertinib Side Effects
Eye Issues: Tagrisso can, in rare cases, cause eye problems such as ulcers. Make a doctor’s appointment if you observe the following eye issues.
Eye pain
Watery eyes due to irritation
Swelling or redness in the eye
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Heart Failure: Tagrisso can increase the potential for heart failure. Reach out to your healthcare provider instantly if you notice the following symptoms of heart failure:
Unusual or prolonged tiredness
Breath shortness or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Fast weight gain
How to Store Osimertinib?
Special Precautions to Take Before Taking Osimertinib
Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to osimertinib.
Inform your doctor about the prescribed and non-prescribed medications that you take. Also, tell the names of vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are consuming.
QT syndrome, an irregular heartbeat issue; high blood pressure; heart failure; sodium, potassium, calcium, or magnesium level imbalances in your blood; severe eye problems; lung dysfunctions, lung cancer; or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you are a mother of an infant. In this case, your doctor may advise against breastfeeding while taking osimertinib, and to avoid it for 2 weeks after the final dose.
Osimertinib Interactions with Other Medications.
| Medicine Class | Medicine Examples | Interaction Results with Osimertinib |
| Specific antipsychotics | clozapine (Clozaril) aripiprazole (Abilify) quetiapine (Seroquel) | It can cause long QT syndrome, an abnormal heart rhythm, potentially leading to serious cardiac issues. |
| Particular anti-sickness drugs | ondansetron (Zofran) dolasetron (Anzemet) | May lead to long QT syndrome, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. |
| certain HIV medications | efavirenz rilpivirine (Edurant) dolutegravir (Tivicay) | Can increase the risk of side effects from HIV drugs, including the development of long QT syndrome. |
| Some antibiotics | moxifloxacin (Avelox) clarithromycin azithromycin (Zithromax) | May lead to abnormal heart rhythm or exacerbate existing heart issues. |
| Certain antidepressants | escitalopram (Lexapro) citalopram (Celexa) clomipramine (Anafranil) | Can cause long QT syndrome, leading to an abnormal heart rhythm and potential cardiac risks. |
| Antiarrhythmics | amiodarone (Pacerone) sotalol (Betapace, Sorine) disopyramide (Norpace) | Can cause or worsen long QT syndrome, which may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. |
| Antituberculosis Medication | Rifampin Rifadin Rimactane | It can reduce Osimertinib’s effectiveness by increasing its metabolism and lowering its plasma levels. |
| Cholesterol Medications | Rosuvastatin | May heighten the risk of rosuvastatin side effects, such as muscle problems or liver damage. |
| Anti-diarrheal Medications | Loperamide | May increase the risk of side effects from loperamide, such as heart rhythm problems or constipation. |
| Specific seizure drugs | carbamazepine (Tegretol, others) phenytoin (Dilantin) phenobarbital | May reduce Osimertinib’s effectiveness, making it less effective in treating cancer. |
Bottom Line
Osimertinib is a breakthrough invention when it comes to lung cancer treatment, but it comes with several risks. However, like all powerful medications, it comes with both mild and more serious potential side effects.
While some Osimertinib side effects may be temporary and manageable, others—though rare—can be severe, affecting vital organs and leading to long-term health complications. Understanding these effects are crucial for safe treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is one of the worst side effects of medication?
There are several serious side effects of Tagrisso, including severe allergic reactions, heart rhythm changes, cardiac arrest, critical eye issues, severe skin reactions, lung inflammation, and blood disorders.
What foods should you avoid when consuming Osimertinib?
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with Osimertinib, affecting its blood levels and potentially reducing its effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is important to avoid them during treatment.
Do Tagrisso side effects go away?
Taking Tagrisso can cause several side effects, some more common than others. These side effects may last for a few days or weeks. However, there are also severe and rare risks that require consultation with a certified doctor.
Where to buy Osimertinib medications?
When it comes to buying osimertinib medication, always choose trusted sources like Indogenmed. We offer premium-quality, doctor-approved medications delivered to your door. We aim to provide sustainable and cost-effective medicines for the most serious illnesses in the world.
Are there any interactions between Tagrisso and vaccines?
Medical findings suggest no known interactions between osimertinib and vaccines. However, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are due for or have recently received any vaccines.
What if I miss a dose of osimertinib?
If you forget to take a dose, simply skip it. Take your next osimertinib pill at the scheduled time. Avoid taking an additional dose or two doses at the same time to compensate for the missed one.
What is the recommended duration of osimertinib treatment?
Osimertinib (Tagrisso) is typically recommended for a duration of 3 years as an adjuvant treatment for completely resected stage IB-IIIA or stage IIIB (T3, N2) EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletion, exon 21 L858R mutation) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to NCCN Guidelines.
What are the potential cardiac risks associated with osimertinib?
Although rare, osimertinib has been associated with cardiotoxicity, including conditions like cardiac failure, QT prolongation, and atrial fibrillation, particularly in patients with advanced NSCLC.
How long can I take osimertinib?
The duration of osimertinib treatment is individualized based on how well the medication is working and the patient’s ability to manage any side effects. Typically, you will continue treatment as long as it remains effective and the side effects are manageable, with your doctor regularly monitoring your progress.
Disclaimer: Always consult with a certified healthcare provider before consuming Osimertinib tablets to ensure safety and suitability for your health needs.
Reference:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/osimertinib-oral-route/description/drg-20165188
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19333-osimertinib-tablets
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-170434/tagrisso-oral/details
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/osimertinib
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-tagrisso-interactions#tagrisso-and-other-medications
