osimertinib

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Pronunciation: OH sim ER ti nib

Brand: Tagrisso

What is the most important information I should know about osimertinib?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is osimertinib?

Osimertinib is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Osimertinib is used to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer. Osimertinib is used only if your tumor has a specific genetic marker, for which your doctor will test.

Osimertinib is usually given after other cancer medicines have been tried without success.

Osimertinib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, tumors responded to this medicine. However, further studies are needed to determine if this medicine can lengthen survival time.

Osimertinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking osimertinib?

You should not use osimertinib if you are allergic to it.

To make sure osimertinib is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a breathing disorder;
  • an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood);
  • a heart rhythm disorder; or
  • a personal or family history of long QT syndrome.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 weeks after your last dose.

It is not known whether osimertinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine and for at least 2 weeks after your last dose.

If a man fathers a baby while using osimertinib, the baby may have birth defects. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, and for at least 4 months after your treatment ends.

This medicine may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman. However, you should use birth control as recommended during and after treatment with osimertinib.

How should I take osimertinib?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Osimertinib is usually given once per day.

You may take osimertinib with or without food.

To make swallowing easier, you may place the tablet in a glass with about 4 tablespoons of water. Stir until the tablet is mostly dissolved and drink this mixture right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add 4 to 8 ounces of water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

While using osimertinib, you may need frequent blood tests. Your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Osimertinib is usually given until your body no longer responds to the medication.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking osimertinib?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of osimertinib?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • shortness of breath even with mild exertion;
  • fast or pounding heartbeats;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • new or worsening lung symptoms --sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath; or
  • eye problems --vision changes, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light, eye pain or redness.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

  • diarrhea;
  • feeling tired;
  • dry skin, rash; or
  • tenderness, discoloration, infection, or other problems with your fingernails or toenails.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect osimertinib?

Many drugs can interact with osimertinib. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • an antidepressant;
  • cancer medicine;
  • an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
  • antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV/AIDS;
  • heart or blood pressure medicine;
  • medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder;
  • seizure medicine; or
  • tuberculosis medicine.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with osimertinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about osimertinib.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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