Osimertinib is the medication used for the treatment of a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer, which has specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. For a deeper analysis of these drugs, if you are wondering how Osimertinib works or what is the mechanism of the drugs, then this blog is for you. Go through the article to learn more.
It works by blocking the activity of the mutated EGFR protein, which is solely responsible for driving the spread or growth of cancer cells. By inhibiting the protein, Osimertinib can help to slow down or completely stop the growth of the cancer cells. Eventually, it will lead to a reduction in the size of the tumor and will improve the survival rates in patients with NSCLC.
This drug is typically prescribed to patients with advanced NSCLC who had previously been treated with other EGFR inhibitors. Osimertinib can also be used as the first-line treatment for patients with NSCLC who have the specific EGFR mutations for which the drug is approved. It is taken orally as a tablet, and usually, it is well tolerated by most patients. However, like any other medication, it may cause side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, skin rash, and fatigue.
Table of Contents
Use of Osimertinib
- It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, which has specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor gene. All these mutations are found in about ten percent of NSCLC cases.
- It works by blocking the activity of the EGFR protein that is involved in the growth of cancer cells. By blocking the protein, Osimertinib can slow down or shrink the tumors in many patients.
- Osimertinib is usually taken orally as a tablet once a day. It is necessary to talk to a doctor about the potential advantages and risks of using Osimertinib for NSCLC.
Side Effects of Osimertinib
Like any other medication, it has many side effects. Some of the common side effects of Osimertinib include:
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness or chest pain
- Eye redness, pain, or irritation
- Headache
- Swollen or painful glands
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Joint and muscle pain
- Itching
- Ulcers. White spot in the mouth or on the tips.
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Red skin lesions, often with the purple center
- Skin rash or dryness of the skin
- Swelling or inflammation of the mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in the fingernails or toenails.
- Inability to speak
- Thickening of the bronchial secretions
When all these side effects are usually mild, some of the patients may experience more severe side effects. For instance, Osimertinib can cause lung problems, such as pneumonitis, that can lead to shortness of breath and other respiratory symptoms. This can also cause heart problems such as QT prolongation, and that can cause an irregular heartbeat.
In many cases, Osimertinib can cause serious allergic reactions that can include difficulty in breathing and swelling of the face, lips, hives, or tongue.
It is necessary to discuss the potential side effects with the doctor before starting Osimertinib. Patients should also inform the doctor about pre-existing conditions or any other medications which they have taken to reduce the risk of side effects.
Read Also: Cetilistat: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions
Who Should Not Take Osimertinib?
Osimertinib is the medication prescribed by doctors to reduce the specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene. Here are some of the people who should not take Osimertinib:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding woman.
- People with a history of allergic reactions.
- People who are currently taking any other medications.
- People with any severe kidney or liver disease.
- People who have a history of lung or breathing problems.
It is important to inform the doctor about the medical conditions you have or the medication you are taking before starting the treatment with Osimertinib. The doctor will determine in your case whether Osimertinib is safe and suitable for you or not.
Chemical composition of Osimertinib
It is a small molecule tyrosine kinase receptor and the antineoplastic agent which is used in the therapy of the selected forms of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This drug is associated with a moderate rate of serum aminotransferase elevations during the therapy and rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injuries.
Osimertinib is a member of the class aminopyrimidins, which is 4-(1-methylindol-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-amine in which one of the amino hydrogens is substituted by 2-methoxy-4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl](methyl)amino-5-acrylamidophenyl group. It is a member of indoles, a secondary amino compound, a biaryl, and a tertiary amino compound. It is the conjugate base of Osimertinib.
Conclusion
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice and tell them about all the side effects. In case you have any queries related to the chemical compositions of the drugs, then you can reach out to us. The team of Bulat Pharmaceuticals is here to solve all your queries.
