Tagrisso: Uses, How It Works, and Common Side Effects

Tagrisso is used to treat adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have certain mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene.

It may be taken alone or in combination with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy. It was first approved by the FDA in 2015.

This medication is a kinase inhibitor and works by attaching to EGFR proteins inside cancer cells and blocking their ability to signal cancer cells to grow, divide, and survive.

In some cancer cells, particularly certain types of NSCLC, the EGFR gene is mutated.

These mutations can cause the EGFR protein to be overactive, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.

Tagrisso tablets are taken by mouth once a day, typically until the cancer gets worse or you have too many side effects.

Common side effects of Tagrisso include low blood cell counts, muscle, bone, or joint pain, diarrhea, rash, tiredness, dry skin, mouth sores, and changes in your nails such as redness, tenderness, and pain.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always consult with your healthcare provider.

References:
1. Drugs.com. Updated Oct 2024. Tagrisso: Package Insert / Prescribing Info. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/pro/tagrisso.html
2. Tagrisso [package insert]. Updated Sept 2024. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. Retrieved from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=5e81b4a7-b971-45e1-9c31-29cea8c87ce7