Tagrisso 40mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food. Continue taking it even if you feel well, unless your doctor or healthcare provider tells you to stop.
If you have difficulty swallowing, you can mix the tablet with 2 ounces (60 mL) of water. Use plain water only, and avoid carbonated water or other liquids. Stir the mixture well until the tablet breaks into small pieces. Do not crush or heat the tablet. Swallow the mixture immediately.
After taking the medication, rinse the container with 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mL) of water and drink it right away. If you have a feeding tube, you can use this medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Be sure to flush the feeding tube after administering the medication.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take Tagrisso exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day, with or without food.
- Do not crush, chew, or split tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing, the tablet can be dispersed in water.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they may interact with this medication.
- Inform your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fever, as these could be signs of a serious lung problem.
- Report any new or worsening heart symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or swelling in your ankles.
- Protect your skin from sun exposure, as skin reactions are common. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.
- Keep all appointments for blood tests, ECGs, and eye exams.
- Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose for females, and for at least 4 months after the last dose for males.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of electrolyte problems: mood changes, confusion, muscle pain, cramps, or spasms, weakness, shakiness, change in balance, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, loss of appetite, or severe upset stomach or vomiting.
Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI): blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
Dizziness.
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
Sensitivity to bright lights.
Watery eyes.
Purple spots, red skin on the lower arms, lower legs, or buttocks that does not fade when pressed, or hives that do not go away within 24 hours and appear bruised.
Serious Lung and Heart Problems
This medication can cause lung problems, which may be fatal. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms of lung or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, trouble breathing, cough, or fever, contact your doctor right away.
Heart failure has occurred rarely in people taking this medication, and it can be fatal. If you experience shortness of breath, significant weight gain, swelling in the arms or legs, or bulging neck veins, contact your doctor immediately.
Abnormal Heartbeat and Low Blood Cell Counts
A type of abnormal heartbeat (prolonged QT interval) can occur with this medication. If you experience a fast heartbeat, an irregular heartbeat, or fainting, contact your doctor right away.
Low blood cell counts can also occur, which can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. In rare cases, a blood disorder called aplastic anemia can occur, which can be fatal. If you experience a new fever or persistent fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of infection, unexplained bruising or bleeding, pale skin, or extreme fatigue or weakness, contact your doctor right away.
Severe Skin Reactions
This medication can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other severe skin reactions. If you experience red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, skin irritation (with or without fever), red or irritated eyes, or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes, seek medical help immediately.
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or may only have mild side effects, it is essential to contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience any of the following:
Dry skin.
Changes in nails, including pain, redness, swelling, and loss of nails.
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
Headache.
Feeling tired or weak.
Signs of a common cold.
* Back, bone, joint, muscle, or neck pain.
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions about side effects or experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- New or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fever (signs of lung problems)
- Chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, or swelling in ankles/legs (signs of heart problems)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Severe skin rash, redness, blistering, or peeling
- Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, sore throat)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
If you are taking any medications that can cause an abnormal heartbeat, known as a prolonged QT interval. There are numerous medications that can lead to this condition, so consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, natural products, or vitamins that should not be taken with this medication. Certain medications used to treat HIV, infections, seizures, and other conditions may interact with this drug, so it is crucial to discuss your medication regimen with your doctor.
If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is recommended that you do not breastfeed while taking this medication and for 2 weeks after your last dose, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Be sure to understand the specific guidelines for avoiding breastfeeding.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you may have. This will enable your healthcare team to verify that it is safe for you to take this medication with your existing medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Elderly patients (65 years or older) should exercise caution when taking this medication, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.
This medication may affect fertility, potentially leading to difficulties in becoming pregnant or fathering a child. In females, fertility may return to normal, but in males, it is unclear if fertility will be restored. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
There is a risk of harm to an unborn baby if you become pregnant while taking this medication. To confirm you are not pregnant, a pregnancy test will be conducted before initiating treatment. If you may become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 6 weeks after the final dose, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. It is vital to understand the duration of birth control use. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.
If your partner may become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. If your partner becomes pregnant, contact the doctor right away.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Increased severity of known adverse reactions (e.g., rash, diarrhea, QTc prolongation, cardiomyopathy)
What to Do:
There is no specific antidote for osimertinib overdose. Treatment should be supportive and symptomatic. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center) immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort): May significantly decrease osimertinib plasma concentrations, reducing efficacy. Avoid co-administration.
- QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, disopyramide, sotalol, quinidine, chloroquine, haloperidol, methadone, moxifloxacin, ondansetron, pimozide): Increased risk of QTc prolongation. Avoid or use with caution and monitor ECG.
Moderate Interactions
- Moderate CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., bosentan, efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil, nafcillin): May decrease osimertinib exposure. Consider alternative or monitor for reduced efficacy.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole): May increase osimertinib plasma concentrations. Monitor for increased adverse reactions. No dose adjustment typically needed for osimertinib, but caution is advised.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess QTc interval and identify baseline cardiac abnormalities, as osimertinib can cause QTc prolongation.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess cardiac function, as osimertinib can cause cardiomyopathy/LVEF reduction.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline hematologic parameters, as osimertinib can cause cytopenias.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess for baseline ocular conditions, as osimertinib can cause keratitis and other ocular toxicities.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically during treatment, especially if risk factors for QTc prolongation exist or if symptoms of arrhythmia develop.
Target: QTc < 470 ms (females), < 450 ms (males)
Action Threshold: QTc > 500 ms or increase of > 60 ms from baseline: Hold osimertinib and correct electrolytes. If QTc resolves, resume at reduced dose or discontinue.
Frequency: Every 3 months for the first year, then every 6 months or as clinically indicated.
Target: Not available (maintain above lower limit of normal)
Action Threshold: Symptomatic heart failure or LVEF decrease > 10% from baseline and below 50%: Hold osimertinib. If resolves, resume at reduced dose or discontinue.
Frequency: Every 4 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 3 months or as clinically indicated.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias: Hold osimertinib until resolution, then resume at reduced dose or discontinue.
Frequency: Periodically, especially if QTc prolongation is a concern.
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia: Correct prior to and during treatment.
Symptom Monitoring
- New or worsening respiratory symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever) for Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Cardiac symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, edema, palpitations, chest pain) for cardiomyopathy/LVEF reduction
- Dermatologic reactions (e.g., rash, acneiform dermatitis, dry skin, nail changes)
- Ocular symptoms (e.g., blurred vision, dry eyes, photophobia, eye pain) for keratitis or other ocular toxicities
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Stomatitis
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Osimertinib can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Based on animal studies and its mechanism of action, it is expected to cause adverse developmental effects. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 weeks after the last dose. Advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is not known whether osimertinib or its metabolites are present in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with osimertinib and for 6 weeks after the last dose.
Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of osimertinib in pediatric patients have not been established. Its use is not recommended in this population.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients âĨ65 years of age and younger patients. No dose adjustment is required based on age.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Osimertinib is a third-generation EGFR TKI, designed to overcome the T790M resistance mutation that often develops after first- or second-generation EGFR TKI treatment.
- It has demonstrated efficacy in patients with CNS metastases due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of reporting any new or worsening respiratory symptoms immediately, as ILD/pneumonitis can be life-threatening.
- Cardiac monitoring (ECG, LVEF) is crucial due to the risk of QTc prolongation and cardiomyopathy.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, rash, dry skin, nail changes, and stomatitis, which often require proactive management (e.g., anti-diarrheals, moisturizers, topical steroids).
- The 40mg dose is typically used for dose reduction due to toxicity or as an alternative for adjuvant therapy if the 80mg dose is not tolerated, though 80mg is the standard for most indications.
Alternative Therapies
- First-generation EGFR TKIs (e.g., erlotinib, gefitinib) for EGFR-mutated NSCLC (though osimertinib is often preferred first-line or for T790M resistance).
- Second-generation EGFR TKIs (e.g., afatinib, dacomitinib) for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
- Chemotherapy (e.g., platinum-based doublet chemotherapy) for NSCLC.
- Immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for NSCLC (often in different settings or for different molecular profiles).
- Other targeted therapies depending on specific molecular alterations (e.g., ALK inhibitors, ROS1 inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors).