Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Tagrisso
What is TAGRISSO used for?
TAGRISSO is used in adults to treat a type of cancer called ‘non-small cell lung cancer’ (NSCLC). The cancer must have tumour changes (mutations) in a gene called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor).
For the following indication(s) TAGRISSO has been approved with conditions (NOC/c). This means it has passed Health Canada’s review and can be bought and sold in Canada, but the manufacturer has agreed to complete more studies to make sure the drug works the way it should. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional.
For the following indication(s) TAGRISSO has been approved without conditions. This means it has passed Health Canada’s review and can be bought and sold in Canada.
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Serious Warnings and Precautions
TAGRISSO should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional with experience in the use of anti-cancer drugs. These are rare but serious side effects that have been seen in patients taking TAGRISSO:
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What is a Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c)?
A Notice of Compliance with Conditions (NOC/c) is a type of approval to sell a drug in Canada.
Health Canada only gives an NOC/c to a drug that treats, prevents, or helps identify a serious or life-threatening illness. The drug must show promising proof that it works well, is of high quality, and is reasonably safe. Also, the drug must either respond to a serious medical need in Canada or be much safer than existing treatments.
Drug makers must agree in writing to clearly state on the label that the drug was given an NOC/c, to complete more testing to make sure the drug works the way it should, to actively monitor the drug’s performance after it has been sold, and to report their findings to Health Canada.
How does TAGRISSO work?
TAGRISSO is a type of drug that targets EGFR sensitising mutations and T790M mutations. TAGRISSO may help prevent your lung cancer from coming back after removal of the tumour by surgery. It may also help to slow or stop your lung cancer from growing or help to shrink the tumour. TAGRISSO has been shown to produce effects on the tumour within 6 to 12 weeks of starting therapy. However, this may vary from patient to patient.
What are the ingredients in TAGRISSO?
Medicinal ingredient: osimertinib (as osimertinib mesylate) Non-medicinal ingredients: black iron oxide, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, macrogol 3550, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, red iron oxide, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.
TAGRISSO comes in the following dosage forms:
Tablets, 40 and 80 mg.
Do not use TAGRISSO if:
- you are allergic to osimertinib or any of the other ingredients of TAGRISSO or the container.
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take TAGRISSO. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- have suffered from interstitial lung disease (including pneumonitis) which means that your lungs were inflamed or scarred.
- have ever had heart problems.
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death before 50 years of age.
- are dehydrated or suffer from excessive vomiting or eating disorders.
- have problems with your electrolytes such as low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia) or low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia).
- have a history of fainting.
- have liver disease or kidney disease.
- have a history of eye problems.
- wear contact lenses.
- have any other medical conditions.
- are 65 years of age or older.
Other warnings you should know about:
- You will need to have your cancer tested to see if you have the EGFR mutation before taking TAGRISSO.
TAGRISSO should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Aplastic anemia, a condition where the bone marrow stops producing new blood cells, can happen in patients taking TAGRISSO. It can lead to death. Stop taking TAGRISSO and get immediate medical help if you get any symptoms of aplastic anemia: persistent fever, bruising or bleeding more easily, pale skin, increasing tiredness and a decrease in ability to fight infection.
Skin and nail problems can occur. You may get rash, dry skin, acne, itching and problems with your nails. These are more likely in areas exposed to the sun. This can include paronychia, which is red, hot, painful pus-filled blisters or swelling around the nail or an infection where the nail and skin meet at the side or the base of a fingernail or toenail. Consider using moisturizers regularly on your skin and nails to help control these problems.
Eye problems can occur. Talk to your healthcare professional right away if you get any symptoms of eye problems: eye pain, swelling, redness with a gritty feeling, watery eyes; blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sudden changes in your eyesight, or other eyesight changes. If left untreated, your eye problems may worsen and may lead to loss of eyesight. You may be at increased risk if you wear contact lenses.
Pregnancy, contraception and breastfeeding – information for women and men
Pregnancy – information for women
- You must not take TAGRISSO if you are pregnant. This is because it may harm your unborn baby.
- TAGRISSO can cause miscarriage.
- Do not get pregnant while taking TAGRISSO. If you are able to get pregnant, you must use effective birth control.
- If you get pregnant during treatment, tell your healthcare professional immediately. Your healthcare professional will decide with you if you should continue to take TAGRISSO.
- If you plan to get pregnant after taking the last dose of TAGRISSO, ask your healthcare professional for advice. This is because TAGRISSO may remain in your body after the last dose.
Pregnancy – information for men Avoid fathering a child during treatment. If your partner gets pregnant while you are taking TAGRISSO, tell her healthcare professional right away.
Birth Control - information for women and men You must use effective birth control during treatment.
Men taking TAGRISSO must use a condom because the drug may pass into the sperm.
After you finish treatment with TAGRISSO:
- Women must keep using birth control for at least 2 months.
- Men must keep using birth control for at least 4 months.
Breastfeeding Do not breastfeed while taking TAGRISSO. It may get into breast milk and harm your baby.
Driving and using machines: Do not drive or use any tools or machines if you feel dizzy or get any symptoms that affect your eyesight, ability to concentrate or react.
Blood tests and monitoring: TAGRISSO can cause abnormal test results. Your healthcare professional will decide when to do necessary tests. They include heart tests such as Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram (ECG). Eye exams may be needed. Blood tests are needed before you start and while taking TAGRISSO. Your healthcare professional will interpret the results.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. This is because TAGRISSO can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some other medicines can affect the way TAGRISSO works. For example:
The following may interact with TAGRISSO:
Some drugs that may reduce how well TAGRISSO works:
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbital. They are used for seizures or fits.
- Rifabutin or rifampicin. They are used for tuberculosis (TB).
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). It is an herbal medicine used for depression. You should avoid using this product while taking TAGRISSO.
TAGRISSO may affect how well the following medicines work or may lead to increased side effects:
- Rosuvastatin – used to lower cholesterol
- Daunorubicin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel and topotecan - used for cancer
- Dabigatran etexilate – used to prevent blood clots
- Digoxin – used to treat irregular heartbeat or other heart problems
- Aliskiren – used for high blood pressure
In addition, the following list includes some, but not all, medicines that may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems while receiving TAGRISSO:
- Medicines for heart rhythm problems (antiarrhythmics) such as quinidine, amiodarone and flecainide
- Antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine, pimozide haloperidol, droperidol, ziprasidone and risperidone
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine and citalopram
- Opioids such as methadone
- Macrolide antibiotics and analogues such as erythromycin and tacrolimus
- Quinolone antibiotics such as moxifloxacin and levofloxacin
- Pentamidine – used to treat pneumonia
- Antimalarials such as quinine and chloroquine
- Antifungals such as ketoconazole and fluconazole
- Medicines for nausea and vomiting such as domperidone and ondansetron
- Other cancer medicines such as sunitinib, nilotinib, arsenic trioxide and vorinostat
- Medicines for asthma such as salmeterol and formoterol
- Medicines that decrease electrolyte levels such as loop, thiazide and related diuretics; laxatives and enemas; amphotericin B and high-dose corticosteroids
How to take TAGRISSO:
- Always take this medicine exactly as your healthcare professional has told you. Do not stop taking this medicine - talk to your healthcare professional first.
- It is important to take this medicine every day, for as long as your healthcare professional prescribes it for you.
- If you do not take this medicine as prescribed by your healthcare professional, your cancer may grow again. Check with your healthcare professional if you are not sure.
Take TAGRISSO:
By mouth, with or without food, every day at about the same time.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do NOT crush, split or chew the tablet.
If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you can mix it in water:
- Put the tablet in a glass - do not crush, split or chew the tablet.
- Add 50 mL of non-carbonated, room temperature water - do not use any other liquids.
- Stir the water until the tablet breaks-up into very small pieces - the tablet will not completely dissolve.
- Drink the liquid immediately.
- To make sure you have taken all of the medicine, rinse the glass thoroughly with another 50 mL of water and drink it.
Usual dose:
Adults:
When taking TAGRISSO alone, or with pemetrexed and chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum:
- One 80 mg tablet of TAGRISSO every day in a single dose.
Your healthcare professional will monitor your health. They may adjust your dose, interrupt and restart your dose, or stop your dose completely. This may occur based on your current health, if you take certain other medications or if you have certain side effects.
You may also receive treatment with other medicines like pemetrexed and chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum. These medicines will be given to you by your healthcare professional.
Overdose:
| If you think you, or a person you are caring for, have taken too much TAGRISSO, contact a healthcare professional, hospital emergency department, regional poison control centre or Health Canada’s toll-free number, 1-844 POISON-X (1-844-764-7669) immediately, even if there are no signs or symptoms. |
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Missed Dose:
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose is due, skip the missed dose. Take your next normal dose at its scheduled time.
What are possible side effects from using TAGRISSO?
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking TAGRISSO. Some of these side effects may occur when taking TAGRISSO alone or when taking TAGRISSO with pemetrexed and chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional. Please also see the Serious Warnings and Precautions Box above.
Side effects may include:
- Back pain
- Changes in eyesight
- Cough
- Decrease in appetite, sores inside the mouth
- Hair loss
- Headache, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate or react
- Itchy skin (Pruritus)
- Muscle pain and limb pain
- Nose bleeds
- Nose or throat infection, runny or stuffy nose
- Vomiting
- Weakness, feeling tired
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Very Common | |||
| Diarrhea that comes and goes, at least 3 loose liquid bowel movements a day. | ✓ | ||
| Nausea, Constipation | ✓ | ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Stomatitis: ulcer or sore, red and inflamed areas on the lips or inside the mouth. | ✓ | ||
| Decreased white blood cells (leukocytes, lymphocytes or neutrophils): infections, fatigue, fever, aches, pains, and flu-like symptoms. | ✓ | ||
| Decreased platelets: bruising, bleeding, fatigue, and weakness. | ✓ | ||
Skin and nail problems: itching, dry skin, rash, redness. Paronychia (nail infection): red, hot, painful pus-filled blisters around the nail, with swelling. Detached, discoloured or abnormally shaped nails. | ✓ | ||
| Increased blood creatinine: fluid retention in the lower body, passing low amounts of urine, fatigue, confusion, nausea, shortness of breath, irregular heart rate. | ✓ | ||
| Common | |||
| Serious Lung problems (interstitial lung disease, pneumonitis, radiation pneumonitis after chest radiation, pneumonia): serious or suddenly worse shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness, possibly with a cough or fever. Painful breathing. This can cause death in some cases. | ✓ | ||
| Electrical problems with the heart (QT interval prolongation) that could lead to heart rhythm disturbances: fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, being lightheaded or loss of consciousness, irregular heartbeat. | ✓ | ||
| Heart failure and an enlarged heart (left ventricular dysfunction, cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure): tiredness along with swollen ankles, shortness of breath especially when lying down. | ✓ | ||
| Liver disorder, jaundice, toxicity, or failure: yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. | ✓ | ||
| Eye infection (conjunctivitis): itchy, red eyes with discharge, and swelling. | ✓ | ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Eye problems: trouble seeing, blurred vision, dry eye. | |||
| Pulmonary embolism: shortness of breath, chest pain particularly upon breathing in, and coughing up blood. | ✓ | ||
| Shortness of breath | ✓ | ||
| Acute respiratory failure: sudden worsening of shortness of breath, bluish colour on skin, lips, and fingernails, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, loss of consciousness. | ✓ | ||
| Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (Hand-foot syndrome): redness, swelling, tingling or burning sensation with cracking of the skin on the palms of hands and/or soles of feet. | ✓ | ||
| Hives (urticaria): itchy, raised patches anywhere on the skin, which may be pink or red and round in shape. | ✓ | ||
| Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood (an enzyme released into the blood when muscle is damaged): muscle aches and pains, muscle stiffness, vision changes, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness. | ✓ | ||
| Erythema multiforme: skin reaction with target lesions that look like rings. | ✓ | ||
| Skin hyperpigmentation: skin greying or darkening. | ✓ | ||
| Uncommon | |||
| Pulmonary edema (fluid in the air spaces of the lungs): difficulty breathing that is worse when you lie down. Coughing up blood or blood-tinged froth. | ✓ | ||
| Reduced kidney function: change in frequency of urination, pain when you urinate, nausea, vomiting, swelling of extremities, fatigue. | ✓ | ||
| Toxic epidermal necrolysis: severe blistering or peeling of the skin. | ✓ | ||
| Keratitis (red eye with a 'gritty' sensation): eye pain, eye swelling and redness, watery eyes, vision changes, and sensitivity to light. | ✓ | ||
Serious side effects and what to do about them
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only if severe | In all cases | ||
| Rare | |||
| Aplastic anemia (when bone marrow stops producing new blood cells): persistent fever, bruising or bleeding more easily, pale skin, increasing tiredness and a decrease in ability to fight infection. | ✓ | ||
| Myositis (muscle inflammation): sore and aching muscles, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats. | ✓ | ||
| Stevens-Johnson syndrome: severe blistering or peeling of skin. | ✓ | ||
| Unknown | |||
| Allergic reactions: itch, rash, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing. | ✓ | ||
| Cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels): red spots on skin that don’t change colour when pressed, bruise-like marks on the skin, raised skin lumps. | ✓ | ||
| Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of damaged muscle): muscle tenderness, weakness, red-brown (tea-coloured) urine. | ✓ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
Storage:
- Keep TAGRISSO out of sight and reach of children.
- Do not use this medicine after the expiry date (EXP) which is stated on the blister foil and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Keep TAGRISSO tablets at room temperature (15-30°C).
- Do not use any pack that is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
If you want more information about TAGRISSO:
- Talk to your healthcare professional.
- Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html; the manufacturer’s website www.astrazeneca.ca, or by contacting the sponsor, AstraZeneca Canada Inc. at: Questions or concerns - 1 (800) 668-6000.
- This Patient Medication Information is current at the time of printing. The most up-to date version can be found at www.astrazeneca.ca.
TAGRISSO® and the AstraZeneca logo are registered trademarks of AstraZeneca AB, used under license by AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
© AstraZeneca Canada Inc. 2025