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About – Osimertinib
The medicine Osimertinib is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer that has been detected as having an abnormality in the gene “EGFR”. Usually, Osimertinib is given to patients with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) or to patients who have cancer that has returned after surgery as targeted therapy.
This drug, marketed under the trade name Tagrisso by pharmaceutical API manufacturers, is an inhibitor of the third generation’s epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase.
If you have been diagnosed with EGFR abnormality, you will be tested by your doctor and will be prescribed this medication.
How is Osimertinib useful in treating cancer?
As an antitumor medication, Osimertinib is used to treat certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after it is removed by surgery. This medication is prescribed for adults with either locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC. As part of the treatment option and protocol, it may also be used as the second or even the first treatment for a certain type of NSCLC that has spread to other body parts.
Osimertinib is also used by adults who have been unable to get treatment for cancer with other similar radiation therapy medications to treat certain types of cancer that have spread to other parts of the body. It blocks the abnormal protein, which is responsible for causing cancer cells to multiply by blocking its action on them. Cancer cells appear to stop or slow their spread when this action is undertaken, and tumours may shrink as a result.
The EGFR activating mutations in tumours that the EGFR-targeted drugs also target Osimertinib targets (exon 19 deletions and exon 21 L858R). The therapeutic regimen was also designed to kill cancer cells with the T790M mutation of the EGFR, which has been shown to cause resistance to earlier-generation EGFR-targeted medications.
Directions to Consume Osimertinib
- One dose of Osimertinib is to be taken by mouth once daily. Both with and without food are acceptable.
- Osimertinib must be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician.
- You should swallow the entire tablet.
- Osimertinib tablets must be crushed before swallowing.
- Ensure the container containing the osimertinib dose contains 2 ounces of water. No carbonated beverages or other liquids should be used.
- You will not be able to completely dissolve the tablet until you crush it in your hands. Do not heat or crush the tablet.
- Mix osimertinib and water immediately before taking it.
- Be sure to drink your full dose of water after adding 4 to 8 ounces to the container.
- Osimertinib should not be stopped or changed without the advice of your healthcare provider.
- If you miss a dose, you should skip it and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
- Osimertinib shouldn’t be taken more than once per day. In case of overdose, call your healthcare provider immediately.
Your dosage for Osimertinib will depend on the type of cancer treatment or condition and your general health along with other health problems, on many factors. There is no evidence that high doses lead to better responses and may end up causing more toxicity. You should discuss this with your doctor before starting any treatment.
Side Effects of Osimertinib
There are serious side effects associated with Osimertinib. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Redness or streaks of purple that doesn’t turn pale when pressed but continue to look bruised or red 24 hours after the occurrence (may appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, or belly);
- The palms or soles of your feet may be swollen, rashy, or blistered; There may be persistent redness.
- Coughs or breathing difficulties that are new or worsening;
- A racing heartbeat or palpitations;
- Feelings of being short of breath, swelling in the lower legs, etc.;
- A feeling of being lightheaded, as if you might pass out;
- The following signs or symptoms indicate a low blood cell count: fever, chills, fatigue, mouth ulcers, skin ulcers, easy bruising, unexplained bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet; or
- Problems with your eyes–vision changes, increased sensitivity to light, watery eyes, redness or pain in your eyes.
Conclusion
In your efforts to maintain good health, remember that this medication is being prescribed because your doctor has determined that it will benefit you at the expense of potential side effects.
Most cancer patients who use this medication don’t have serious side effects. You might decrease the ability to fight infections when using Osimertinib medication by active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturers. There is a possibility that this may make you more vulnerable to a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection that you already have worse.
If you experience serious side effects, you should consult your doctor immediately.
