Osimertinib is an anticancer medication that the Food and Drug Administration approved on the 18th of April 2018 as a first-line treatment for patients having non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC), that has spread to other parts and whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. 

Later on the 18th of December 2020, Osimertinib got approval for being used as an additional therapy after tumor removed by surgery in patients having metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. 

Osimertinib is indicated to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLS) in adults. It is also used as a first-line treatment for patients having metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) whose tumors have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. In addition, it is also used after the removal of tumors by surgery. 

Osimertinib is an prescription medicine available as a tablet in two doses Osimertinib 40mg and Osimertinib 80mg. This medication is to be taken by mouth and swallowed as a whole with or without food at the same time every day as prescribed by your doctor. It should not be crushed, split, or chewed.  If you cannot swallow the tablets, you can dissolve them as per your doctor's advice.

The common side effects of Osimertinib are headache, low WBC and platelets, diarrhea, decreased appetite, anemia, rash, muscle and joint pain, nail changes, dry skin, tiredness , cough, inflamed and sore mouth. Other serious side effects of Osimertinib tablets are decreased heart function, irregular heartbeats, breathing difficulty together with a cough or fever, eye problems, anemia, skin lesions. 

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience difficulty breathing with fever or cough, as it might indicate lung inflammation. Notify your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. This medicine can cause cardiomyopathy, inform your physician of any signs or symptoms of heart failure. 

Osimertinib is unsafe for pregnancy, and effective contraceptive methods must be discussed with the doctor while taking this medication. This medication is not to be taken by people below the age of 18 years. Breastfeeding must be done only after two weeks from the last dose. If you have a history of heart disorders, and eye problems inform your doctor as this condition requires monitoring.  Before starting treatment with this medication, report to your doctor about any medication you are taking.

Osimertinib may interact with oral contraceptives, hence discuss with your doctor the most appropriate method of contraception. If you are a male patient with a female partner of reproductive potential, use contraceptives during the treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. Your doctor will regularly do lab tests to check whether the medicine is working. Do not breastfeed during the treatment with this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose. This medicine may impair fertility in females and males of reproductive potential; consult your doctor if you are planning for pregnancy. 

1. TAGRISSO 80 mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. www.medicines.org.uk. [Revised on July 2022] [cited 2023 Mar 28]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7615/pil
2. Highlights Of Prescribing Information - Osimertinib. [revised on 2020] [cited 2023 Mar 28]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/208065s021lbl.pdf
3. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.