Tagrisso is the brand name for osimertinib, a targeted cancer medicine used for certain EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Key points:
- What it treats
- Adults with EGFR-mutant NSCLC (including certain brain metastases)
- In various settings:
- First-line therapy for metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC
- After progression on other EGFR inhibitors if a T790M mutation is present
- Adjuvant therapy after surgical resection for stage IB–IIIA EGFR-mutant NSCLC (recent approval)
- How it’s taken
- 80 mg taken once daily
- Tableta is swallowed whole with a glass of water
- Can be taken with or without food
- Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet
- Common side effects (not a complete list)
- Diarrhea, dry skin, rash, itching, dry mouth
- Fatigue, decreased appetite
- Cough, nausea
- Eye-related issues (dry eyes, conjunctivitis); eye irritation can occur
- Less common but important: interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity, cardiomyopathy
- Monitoring and safety
What to watch for
- New/worsening shortness of breath, cough, fever (possible ILD/pneumonitis)
- Chest pain, fainting, dizziness (QT concerns)
- Signs of liver trouble (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting)
- Severe rash or skin reactions
- Eye irritation or changes
- Tell your clinician right away if you have these
- Interactions and considerations
- Avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., certain antifungals, some HIV meds) and inducers (e.g., rifampin) because they can change osimertinib levels
- Use caution with other drugs that affect the heart’s rhythm
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not advised; use effective contraception; discuss planning with your doctor
- Special notes
- Osimertinib has activity against brain metastases; CNS symptoms should be discussed with a doctor
- Dose adjustments are not commonly needed for mild liver issues, but liver function and heart rhythm should be monitored if risk factors exist
If you’d like, tell me:
- Are you asking about a specific use (first-line vs. after progression vs. adjuvant)?
- Do you want detailed dosing, side effects, or drug interactions tailored to your current medications?
- Are you asking from a patient or healthcare-provider perspective?