Osimertinib (By mouth)
oh-sim-ER-ti-nib
Treats non-small cell lung cancer.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Osimertinib is used to treat metastatic (cancer that has already spread) non-small cell lung cancer in patients who have certain types of abnormal epidermal growth factor (EGFR) genes. It is used in patients who have already received an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and it has stopped working. Your doctor will perform a test before you take this medicine.
Osimertinib belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics (cancer medicines). It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
If you cannot swallow the tablet, put it in a glass with 2 ounces of water. Do not use carbonated water or other liquids. Stir until the tablet is in small pieces, and drink the mixture right away. Add 4 to 8 ounces of water to the same glass, and drink it to make sure you get the full dose.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Skip the missed dose, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how osimertinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, cyclosporine, fentanyl, nefazodone, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampicin, ritonavir, St John’s wort, or ergot medicines Medicine to treat an infection (including itraconazole, telithromycin)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to osimertinib, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warnings
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 6 weeks after the last dose. Men should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of other lung disease or breathing problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis Heart rhythm problems, including QT prolongation Heart problems, including heart failureThis medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, chills, cough
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Rash, dry skin, changes in your nails
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Tagrisso
There may be other brand names for this medicine.