Osimertinib (Tagrisso) tablets: What you need to know in lung cancer treatment

Has your doctor prescribed you or a loved one a drug called Osimertinib for lung cancer? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the name. It's not surprising that we've heard so many things about cancer treatment. But let's talk about this drug in a simple and friendly way, how it works, what it can do, and what we need to be aware of. Once you understand these things clearly, you'll feel a lot of relief.

What is Osimertinib (Tagrisso)?

Simply put, Osimertinib (often known by the brand name ``Tagrisso``) is a specific treatment for lung cancer . This is not like the chemotherapy of old, which affects all cells. This is called a "targeted therapy."

Imagine that cancer cells need a special "key" to grow. This drug, Osimertinib, recognizes that "key" and stops it from working. Specifically, it blocks a protein that signals cancer cells to grow and multiply. As a result, the spread of cancer cells slows down or stops. This is a very advanced treatment.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete picture of your health. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease: If you have a heart condition or irregular heartbeat.
• Eye diseases: If you have any eye disease or vision impairment.
• Changes in electrolyte levels: If you have previously had low or high levels of electrolytes in your blood, such as magnesium, potassium, or sodium.
• Blood diseases: If you have previously had a blood-related disease such as `(Aplastic anemia)`. (Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells).
• Other lung diseases: If there are other lung diseases in addition to cancer.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine, Osimertinib, any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is very important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Following the exact instructions for using this medicine greatly affects the success of the treatment.

• This is a pill to take by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor.
• It can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with a meal.
• Do not stop taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to. Even if you experience side effects, inform your doctor and only change your treatment according to his or her instructions. Do not change the dosage or stop taking it at your own discretion.
• If you have trouble swallowing the tablet: Place the tablet in a glass of water (about 2 ounces of water, or 60 milliliters). Stir the tablet with a spoon until it dissolves and breaks into small pieces. Do not heat this mixture or crush the tablet. Drink it immediately. Then, add another glass of water (4-8 ounces), swirl the glass, and drink the water. This will ensure that the full dose of the medicine is absorbed into the body.
• Overdose: If you think you have overdosed on a medication, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, skip it completely. Don't worry. Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Osimertinib is a powerful drug. Therefore, it can interact with some other medications. It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications.

Things we need to be especially careful about when taking medicine

While undergoing this treatment, you need to pay a little more attention to your body.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility

This is a very important part.

• For women: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, your baby may have serious birth defects . Therefore, you should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment to make sure you are not pregnant. You should use a very reliable form of birth control during your entire treatment period and for 6 weeks after stopping treatment. Also, avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 2 weeks after stopping treatment.
• For men: If you are taking this medicine, be sure to use a condom when having sex with a woman who could become pregnant. You should continue to use this method of contraception for 4 months after stopping treatment. This is because if your partner becomes pregnant during this time, there is a risk of harm to the unborn baby.

Possible serious skin reactions

Rarely, this medicine can cause serious skin reactions. If you develop red or purple skin rashes with symptoms similar to a fever or cold, which then blister and peel, tell your doctor immediately . Also, if you notice redness of the skin with swelling of the face, lips, or neck/armpits, seek medical advice immediately.

Risk of infection

This medicine may slightly weaken your body's immune system, which increases your risk of infection.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and call your doctor.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick.
• Do not take painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as these can suppress your fever. Fever is an important sign of infection.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, Osimertinib can cause side effects. Not everybody gets them. However, it is important to be aware of them.

How to store and dispose of medicine safely?

• Always keep medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
• Do not use expired medicine.
• When disposing of unused or expired medications, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or cat litter, and place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag and throw them in the trash. This will help prevent someone else or an animal from using them.

Osimertinib, Tagrisso, lung cancer, cancer medicine, targeted therapy, cancer treatment, side effects