Tagrisso

Tagrisso is an antineoplastic drug used for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients who have certain types of abnormal epidermal growth factor genes.

It is used in patients who have already received an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and it has stopped working. You will be tested before you take this drug.

This drug works by interfering with the growth of cancer cell. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Tagrisso, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.

• Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of osimertinib in the pediatric population have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
• Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of osimertinib.
• Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

• Alfentanil
• Boceprevir
• Bromocriptine
• Carbamazepine
• Clarithromycin
• Cobicistat
• Conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• Dihydroergotamine
• Enzalutamide
• Ergonovine
• Ergotamine
• Fentanyl
• Fosphenytoin
• Idelalisib
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Lopinavir
• Methylergonovine
• Methysergide
• Mitotane
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Phenytoin
• Posaconazole
• Quinidine
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• Sirolimus
• St John's Wort
• Telaprevir
• Telithromycin
• Temsirolimus
• Voriconazole

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as electrolyte or mineral imbalance, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, lung disease or breathing problems.

Proper usage of Tagrisso requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. You can take this drug with or without food. Dissolve the drug in 2 ounces of water if you are having trouble swallowing the tablet. Using carbonated water or other liquids is not recommended. The tablet must be stirred until it is in small pieces. Do not crush or heat.

It is recommended to drink the liquid immediately or it may be given through a nasogastric tube. Add 4 to 8 ounces of water in the same container, and drink it immediately. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.

The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with lung cancer are given 80 milligrams once a day.

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Tagrisso, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. Unwanted effects can be screened using blood tests.

If unwanted effects happen, your dose may be reduced or stopped. This drug has teratogenic potential which may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant.

Women are advised to use an effective form birth control during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose. Men who have female partners should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.

Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you think you or your partner becomes pregnant while using the drug. Talk with your healthcare professional if you plan to have children before using this drug, as infertility has been associated with this drug.

Pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease can happen while taking this drug which has symptoms similar to that of lung cancer. Check with your healthcare professional immediately if you have a new or a worsening cough, fever, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you have any changes to your heart rhythm.

You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a slow, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you have symptoms of a heart problem such as fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or swelling of your ankles or feet.

Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Tagrisso. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

• anxiety
• cough
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• eye or vision changes
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially the calves
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• slurred speech
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden severe headache
• sudden severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• blurred vision
• fever or chills
• the general feeling of discomfort or illness
• inability to speak
• seizures
• sneezing
• sore throat
• sudden severe weakness on one side of the body
• temporary blindness
• thickening of bronchial secretions.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.