Osimertinib
About Osimertinib
Osimertinib is a prescription medicine used to treat a specific type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer, particularly when the cancer cells have certain abnormal proteins. This medicine is prescribed to help prevent the cancer from returning after surgery or to control its spread when it is at an advanced stage.
You will typically take this medicine once a day. For it to work best, it is important to take it consistently at the same time every day, either with or without food. While taking this medicine, incorporating simple lifestyle changes such as staying well-hydrated and protecting your skin from the sun can help manage common treatment effects.
Like all prescription medications, Osimertinib can cause side effects. Many people experience manageable issues like dry skin or mild diarrhoea, but it is important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms, such as new or worsening breathing problems, coughing, fever, or changes in your heart rate.
Do not take this if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Before starting this treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of lung inflammation, heart rhythm problems, or electrolyte imbalances, as these conditions may require special monitoring.
This medicine can interact with other substances, including certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements like St. John's wort, which can lower its effectiveness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not take this medicine, as it can harm an unborn baby or nursing infant. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you fall into any of these groups.
Uses of Osimertinib
Medicinal Benefits
Using Osimertinib as prescribed helps target cancer cells with specific EGFR gene mutations, slow disease progression, and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Slows tumour growth: Blocks the signals that allow cancer cells to grow and multiply, helping slow or stop the progression of non-small cell lung cancer.
- Relieves cancer-related symptoms: Helps reduce symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath, improving your quality of life and ability to carry out daily activities.
- Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence: When taken after surgery, it helps lower the chances of the cancer returning in the lungs or spreading to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Directions for Use
- Osimertinib can be taken with or without food.
- Take Osimertinib at about the same time every day, to ensure consistent levels of medicine in your body, or as advised by a doctor.
- Swallow the tablet as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Osimertinib.
Storage
Side Effects of Osimertinib
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- diarrhoea
- Dry skin, itching, or mild skin rashes
- Nail changes, such as redness, pain, or cracking around the fingernails or toenails
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- New or worsening shortness of breath, cough, or fever
- A fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, or feeling dizzy and lightheaded
- Swelling in your face, ankles, or legs, or sudden weight gain
- Severe skin peeling, blistering, or painful rashes
- Eye pain, changes in vision, or red, watery, or sensitive eyes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the tablet before use: Check the tablet before taking it. Do not use it if it is cracked, discoloured, or if the packaging is damaged.
- Use effective contraception: Use a highly effective method of birth control during treatment and for the recommended period after your last dose, as Osimertinib can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Check before taking new medicines: Do not start any new prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal supplements without consulting your healthcare team.
- Take care when driving: Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy, tired, or experience changes in your vision while taking this medicine.
- Monitor breathing symptoms: Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, fever, or difficulty breathing, as these may be signs of a rare but serious lung condition (interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis).
- Attend all monitoring appointments: Keep all scheduled ECGs, blood tests, and other follow-up appointments so your doctor can monitor your heart rhythm, liver function, electrolyte levels, and overall response to treatment.
- Report vision changes promptly: Tell your doctor if you develop blurred vision, eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, or increased sensitivity to light, as eye problems may require prompt evaluation.
Drug Interactions
- Heart rhythm medicines: Combining Osimertinib with other medicines that can affect your heart rhythm may increase the risk of abnormal heart beats.
- Seizure and tuberculosis medicines: Certain drugs, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or rifampicin, can lower the amount of Osimertinib in your body, making it less effective against cancer.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Osimertinib.
Pregnancy
unsafeOsimertinib should not be used during pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. You or your partner must use a reliable form of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these medications.
Breast Feeding
unsafeYou should not breastfeed for two weeks after your last dose while taking this medication.
Driving
cautionOsimertinib may cause fatigue (feeling overtired), impacting the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionOsimertinib should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Inform your doctor before taking the Osimertinib if you have had a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionOsimertinib should be used with caution if you have kidney disease. Inform your doctor before taking the Osimertinib if you have had a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness in patients below the age of 18 years have not been established. Hence, use is not recommended.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your skin moisturised: Use thick, fragrance-free moisturizers regularly to help manage dry skin and protect your skin barrier.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing, hats, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when going outdoors.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids throughout the day, especially if you experience diarrhoea, to prevent dehydration.
- Practice gentle nail care: Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed short to avoid painful cracking or infections. Avoid harsh chemicals or biting your nails.
Special Advise
- Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain tests to check your body's response to Osimertinib.
- Pregnancy testing is recommended prior to starting treatment with Osimertinib.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Lung cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Lung cancer is a disease that causes malignant (cancer) cells to grow in lung tissues. Primary lung cancer is cancer that begins in the lungs. Secondary lung cancer is cancer that spreads to the lungs from elsewhere in the body. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of lung cancer. Still, many people experience symptoms such as a chronic cough, coughing up blood, persistent dyspnea, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
FAQs
Osimertinib is used to treat Lung cancer.
Osimertinib contains Osimertinib, a protein kinase inhibitor that works by blocking the abnormal protein which can cause uncontrolled cell growth and cancer; thus, it slows or stops cancer growth.
This medicine may reduce the quantity of platelets in your blood significantly. Platelets are cells that aid in the clotting of blood. If your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed easily. Inform your doctor if you experience any unexplained bruises or bleeding. You may require a drip to receive more platelets. This is referred to as a platelet transfusion.
Osimertinib may cause infertility. Discuss with your doctor all the risks of taking this medication.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer that begins at the cellular level and causes abnormal cells in the lungs to reproduce rapidly and out of control.
The common side effects of Osimertinib are diarrhoea, rash, dry skin, nail toxicity, stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa), fatigue (feeling overtired), decreased appetite (hunger), and low blood cell counts. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not crush, split, or chew the tablets. If you have trouble swallowing, you can disperse the tablet in a glass of still water. Stir until it breaks into small pieces and drink it immediately. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for detailed instructions on how to do this safely.
Yes, you can take Osimertinib with or without food. It is most important to take your dose at the same time every day to keep a steady amount of the medicine in your body. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
diarrhoea is a common side effect of this medicine. Start drinking plenty of clear fluids right away to stay hydrated. Contact your doctor, as they may recommend taking an over-the-counter anti-diarrhoeal medicine or adjusting your treatment plan.
No, you should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can cause serious harm to a developing baby or a nursing infant. You must use effective birth control during treatment. Talk to your doctor for guidance.
Some patients may experience thinning of the hair or changes in hair texture while taking this medicine, though this is less common than other skin-related side effects. If you are concerned about hair changes, talk to your doctor.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and Osimertinib, but drinking alcohol can worsen side effects like dehydration, dry skin, and diarrhoea. It is best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether alcohol is safe for you.
The length of your treatment depends on how well your cancer responds to the medicine and how well you tolerate any side effects. Your doctor will regularly monitor your progress and tell you how long to continue. Always talk to your doctor before stopping.
Yes, this medicine can make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of severe sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Talk to your doctor if you develop a severe skin reaction.
Osimertinib works best in people whose tumour has specific EGFR mutations, particularly exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R substitution mutations. Genetic testing helps determine whether this medicine is likely to be effective for your cancer.
Osimertinib can occasionally affect your heart rhythm, liver function, and electrolyte levels. Your doctor may arrange ECGs and blood tests during treatment to monitor for these changes and help ensure the medicine remains safe for you.
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