Osimertinib, Tagrisso
Description: Antineoplastic Agent, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Inhibitor; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Osimertinib, Tagrisso is an irreversible Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGRF) Inhibitor in addition to inhibiting tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation and thus blocking the activity of downstream signalling pathways related to growth and apoptosis suppression. It binds to select mutant forms of EGFR, including T790M, L858R, and exon 19 deletion at lower concentrations than wild-type. Osimertinib exhibits less activity against wild-type EGFR (as compared to other EGFR inhibitors) and is selective for sensitizing mutations and the T790M resistance mutation, which is the most common mechanism of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Indications For Use
Non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic
Precautions
Before starting Osimertinib, Tagrisso makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Osimertinib, Tagrisso use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as bone marrow suppression, cardiovascular toxicity, cutaneous toxicity, fertility effects, GI toxicity, ocular toxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.
Usual Dosing
Oral: 80 mg once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: May be administered with or without food. For patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, disperse tablets in 60 mL of noncarbonated water (only), stir until the tablet is dispersed into small pieces (will not dissolve completely) and immediately swallow. Rinse the container with 120 to 240 mL of water and immediately drink).
You Need to Avoid: Do not crush, heat, or ultrasonicate during the preparation of the solution.
Side Effects
Skin rash, xeroderma, nail disease, pruritis, hypermagnesemia, hypokalemia, diarrhea, stomatitis, decreased appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting, lymphocytopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, hyperbilirubinemia, fatigue, headache, cough, dyspnea
Note this is not a complete list
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would my physician prescribe a medication with such serious side effects?
Your physician takes the most recent clinical guidelines to make evidence-based decisions on what medication is appropriate in which situations. Your current medications, your allergies, age, cost of medication, comorbid conditions and many other factors will further complicate or limit which medications are appropriate. This medication is used for certain forms of cancer and your physician has determined the benefits outweigh the risks. Furthermore, they will be monitoring your bloodwork and symptoms closely to avoid many of the serious side effects and will keep you on the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time possible.