Tagrisso 40 mg Film Coated Tablets Tablet (Osimertinib) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Osimertinib (sold as Tagrisso in Nigeria) is a targeted cancer medicine that works by blocking a specific abnormal protein (called EGFR) found on some cancer cells, which stops the cancer from growing and spreading.

What is it used for?

A specific type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a particular gene change (EGFR mutation)

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Cancer Treatment

How it works

Binds irreversibly to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase domain, including common activating mutations and the T790M resistance mutation, thereby blocking downstream signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK) that promote cancer cell proliferation and survival in NSCLC.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

The usual dose is one 80 mg tablet taken once a day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water at about the same time each day. If you have difficulty swallowing, you can dissolve the tablet in plain water (not fizzy drinks). This is a long-term medication — keep taking it for as long as your cancer doctor tells you to.

What if I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless your next dose is due in less than 12 hours. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at your normal time. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.

What to watch out for

This is an expensive, specialised cancer drug — only buy from trusted hospital pharmacies or certified suppliers, never from roadside or unverified online sellers. Do not stop taking it or change your dose without your cancer doctor's approval. If you develop any new cough, breathing difficulty, or fever while on this drug, report to your doctor immediately as it could be a serious lung reaction.

Common Side Effects

Diarrhoea (running stomach)
skin rash or dry skin
sores in the mouth
loss of appetite
and feeling tired or weak

Serious Side Effects

Difficulty breathing or sudden shortness of breath (could be a sign of lung inflammation — go to hospital immediately)
chest pain or irregular heartbeat
and signs of severe skin reactions like blistering or peeling skin

Drug Interactions

Drugs like rifampicin (commonly used for TB treatment in Nigeria) can reduce how well osimertinib works — tell your doctor if you are on TB medication. Certain seizure drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin can also reduce its effectiveness. St. John's wort (a herbal supplement) should be avoided while on this medicine.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Osimertinib is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm an unborn baby, so women of childbearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least two months after stopping.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to osimertinib or any ingredient in the tablet
pregnant or breastfeeding women
and anyone with serious heart problems (especially a condition called QTc prolongation) unless closely monitored by a specialist.

How to Store

Store at room temperature below 30°C in the original packaging. Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture — avoid storing in the bathroom or kitchen. Always keep out of reach of children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Tagrisso 40 mg Film Coated Tablets