Tagrisso (Osimertinib) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Tagrisso is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several indications related to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used as an adjuvant therapy (additional treatment following surgery) for individuals with EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations, including exon 19 deletions or exon 21 L858R mutations. It is also prescribed for locally advanced, unresectable NSCLC that has not progressed after chemotherapy and for the first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC (NSCLC that has spread) with specific EGFR mutations. Additionally, Tagrisso can be used in combination with chemotherapy for people with advanced NSCLC. It is also approved for those whose disease has progressed after other EGFR-targeted treatments if they have the EGFR T790M mutation. Tagrisso is also known by its drug name, osimertinib.

Tagrisso belongs to a class of drugs called kinase inhibitors. It works by targeting and blocking the activity of specific proteins involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells with EGFR mutations, which helps to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tagrisso is taken as an oral tablet, usually once daily, with or without food. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy depending on the specific stage and progression of the lung cancer. For individuals taking it as adjuvant therapy, the medication may be continued for up to three years unless there is disease recurrence (return) or unacceptable side effects. For those with advanced or metastatic disease, Tagrisso is taken until disease progression or intolerable side effects occur. Tagrisso should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Tagrisso include leukopenia (low levels of white blood cells), lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count), thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), anemia, diarrhea, skin rash, muscle and bone pain, neutropenia (low neutrophil count), nail problems, dry skin, stomatitis (mouth sores), and fatigue.

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis (lung inflammation), heart rhythm changes such as prolonged QTc interval, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle issues), keratitis (severe eye inflammation), skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a severe skin reaction), cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin leading to red or purple spots), blood disorders like aplastic anemia (where bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells), and birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe symptoms or signs of these conditions.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Tagrisso (Osimertinib) Tablets, for Oral Use — U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Label: Tagrisso- Osimertinib Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed