The basics
Osimertinib mesyalte (brand name-Tagrisson) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to other body parts in adults or who could not be treated successfully with other similar chemotherapy medications.
Osimertinib mesylate is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Osimertinib Mesylate
How should I take osimertinib mesylate (Tagrisso)?
Osimertinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. Take osimertinib at around the same time every day. Take osimertinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or more often than your doctor prescribes.
If you cannot swallow the tablets, place the tablet into 4 tablespoons (2 oz [60 mL]) of water and stir until the tablet is in small pieces. Drink the mixture right away. Do not crush the tablet or heat the mixture.
Be sure to talk to your Doctor about how you feel during your treatment. Do not stop taking osimertinib without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of osimertinib mesylate (Tagrisso)?
Common side effects
- diarrhea
- constipation
- rash
- itching
- dry or cracking skin
- eczema
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- swelling or sores in the mouth
- back pain
- cough
- nail changes including swelling, redness, pain, splitting, breaking, and separation or loss from nailbed
- swelling of ankles or feet
- fever
Serious side effects
- fast or pounding heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- feeling lightheaded
- difficulty breathing
- skin blistering or peeling
- purple spots, redness, or hives on arms, lower legs, or buttocks
- chest pain
- extreme tiredness
- swollen, red, teary, or painful eyes; sensitivity to light; or vision changes
Osimertinib may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking osimertinib mesylate (Tagrisso)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any disease, symptom, or treatment
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.
While you are on osimertinib mesylate (Tagrisso)
- If you or your partner become pregnant while taking osimertinib, call your doctor immediately. Osimertinib may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor may tell you not to breastfeed during your treatment and for 2 weeks after your final dose.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a dose late or take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
How should I safely store and dispose of Osimertinib Mesylate (Tagrisso)?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Tagrisso®
Last Revised – 06/19/2023, FDA-updated-04/15/2021, SG
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