Why is Tagrisso so Expensive? Learn About the Generic Alternatives to Tagrisso
In the last decade, lung cancer has advanced significantly, offering new hope to patients. The discovery of Osimertinib and its benefit in treating lung cancer is an important step towards increased survival rate. Developed by AstraZeneca under the brand name Tagrisso, has been a game-changer in improving survival rates, but its high cost makes it inaccessible to many.
In this blog, we will discuss why Tagrisso is expensive while suggesting generic Tagrisso alternatives.
What is Tagrisso?
Tagrisso containing the active ingredient Osimertinib, is a prescription drug commonly used to treat different kinds of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations. It mainly targets Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Developed by AstraZeneca, this drug inhibits the multiplication of cancer cells by stopping the signals of multiplication.
Receiving FDA approval in 2015, the medicine is a third-generation drug and is often hailed as a life-saving one.
Uses of Tagrisso
Tagrisso is a lung cancer drug used in the following situations:
After surgery to remove a tumor
When the cancer has metastasized from the lungs (as a first-line treatment)
When cancer has not improved or returned even after being hit with a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI).
It is an oral medication that comes in the form of a tablet you have to swallow. Since the cost of Tagrisso is high, people have been leaning more towards generic Tagrisso and its alternatives.
Why is the Cost of Tagrisso High?
Tagrisso's cost can vary based on different factors such as your location, pharmacy, and insurance plans. However, generally, 40mg of it retails at approximately $18,416 for 30 tablets.
One of the primary reasons for this high price is that Tagrisso is a brand-name drug. Brand-name medications are significantly more expensive because pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research, development, and clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
However, generic versions contain the same active molecule and offer the same therapeutic benefits but are much more affordable since they do not require extensive clinical trials or research costs.
Generic Alternatives to Tagrisso
Although there are insurance policies covering Tagrisso, many patients still struggle to afford or access the medication due to its high cost. Therefore, generic versions of Tagrisso have emerged in certain regions where AstraZeneca’s patents do not apply. Pharmaceutical companies in these areas have developed generic Osimertinib, offering a more affordable alternative to patients in need.
Let us discuss available medicines containing Osimertinib:
Tagrix
Tagrix is manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals Limited. It is a generic version of Osimertinib, which is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is specifically designed to target and bind selectively to certain EGFR mutations, including T790M, L858R, and exon 19 deletion. Tagrix attaches itself to these mutations and slows or stops the cancer from spreading.
Recommended Dosage: 80mg per day
Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
Method of Administration: Oral tablets
Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib
Strength: 40mg and 80mg
Side effects of Tagrix include:
Diarrhea
Skin Rashes
Fatigue
Loss of Appetite
Nausea and Vomiting
Mouth sores
Some serious side effects include:
Interstitial Lung Disease
Heart Problems (QT Prolongation and Cardiomyopathy)
Liver Problems
Blood Clots
Seek doctor care immediately if you face any of the serious side effects.
Osimert, manufactured by Everest Pharmaceuticals, is a kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with metastatic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations. This mutation often signifies that lung cancer has developed resistance to traditional TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
It works by irreversibly binding to certain mutated forms of EGFR at approximately nine-fold lower concentrations than wild type. This targeted approach enhances its antitumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells containing EGFR mutations, making it an effective treatment option for resistant lung cancer cases.
Method of Administration: Oral medication
Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains 95.4 mg of Osimertinib Mesylate
Recommended Dosage: One tablet of 80 mg/day
Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
Strengths: 80mg
Listed below are common side effects of Osimert:
Skin rash
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Itching
Mouth sores
Nausea
Vomiting
Moreover, in case of some serious side-effects as the ones listed below, you should stop taking Osimert immediately and consult a medical practitioner.
Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)
Heart problems (QT Prolongation)
Eye problems
Low white blood cell count
Fetal harm
Osicent
Osicent 80 mg is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI). It attaches to the cancerous cells and stops them from sending signals to other cells. By inhibiting these signals, the medicine stops the cancer from spreading. Manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, it is a third-generation TKI specific for the gatekeeping of T790M mutation.
Recommended Dosage: 80 mg a day
Method of Administration: Oral medication
Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains Osimertinib Mesylate
Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
Strengths: 80mg
Some side effects of Osicent include:
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
Keratitis
QTc Interval Prolongation
Cardiomyopathy
If these side effects persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Osikin
Osikin, a product of Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd, represents a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It selectively targets EGFR mutations and T790M resistance mutations as well. Similar to other generic Tagrisso alternatives, it works by inhibiting EGFR signalling pathways, which suppresses tumour growth in severe NSCLC cases.
Recommended Dosage: 80 mg tablet per day
Strengths: 80mg
Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib Mesylate INN
Method of Administration: Oral tablets
Adverse effects of Osikin are:
Rashes
Diarrhea
Some serious side effects like the ones listed below may also occur, and in such cases, you should discontinue Osikin immediately and seek a healthcare professional.
Symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia
Interstitial Lung Disease
Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
Final Thoughts
Tagrisso is a life-changing drug for individuals suffering from lung cancer. However, its high cost makes it inaccessible to a large portion of the population. Hence, people who are not able to afford Tagrisso may look towards other generic Tagrisso alternatives.
If you are considering looking for an alternative to Tagrisso, it is essential that you first consult a healthcare provider to ensure the alternative is safe, effective, and legally available.
Indogenmed believes in giving access to generic Tagrisso to everyone in need. Buy alternatives today and change your quality of life!
Disclaimer: For general information only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Exercise discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tagrisso work for stage 4 lung cancer?
Tagrisso is approved to treat Stage 4 NSCLC in patients with EGFR mutations.
How much does Tagrisso cost per month?
The cost varies depending on the location, availability, and insurance coverage. In the United States, Tagrisso's cost ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per month.
Is Tagrisso better than chemo?
Tagrisso showed better results than chemotherapy in cases of lung cancers with EGFR mutations. Since it specifically targets cancer cells, it leads to fewer side effects and improves the survival rate.
How long can you live on Tagrisso?
Actual survival time varies based on individual health, cancer type, and disease progression. However, clinical studies indicate that patients treated with Tagrisso achieved a median overall survival of 38 months, highlighting its effectiveness in extending life expectancy for those with EGFR-mutated lung cancer.
When was Tagrisso approved?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved the use of Tagrisso for treating EGFR-mutated NSCLC in 2015.
Can Tagrisso cause hair loss?
Yes, mild hair loss or hair thinning is a side effect of Tagrisso.
What is the best time to take Tagrisso?
You can take Tagrisso at any time of the day. However, the recommended dosage for Tagrisso is one tablet per day and it can be taken with or without food.
What does Tagrisso do to cancer cells?
Tagrisso inhibits EGFR mutations and blocks the signalling pathways that facilitate cancer cell growth. This, in turn, slows down tumour progression.
Which company makes Tagrisso?
AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, manufactures Tagrisso.
Reference:
https://www.drugs.com/compare/tagrisso
https://www.ziskapharma.com.bd/public/storage/product-files/osikin-prescribing-information-214.pdf
