Osimertinib
Osimertinib is used to help prevent a certain type of non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from returning after the tumor(s) has been removed by surgery in adults. It is also used as a first treatment for a certain type of NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body in adults. Osimertinib is also used to treat certain types of NSCLC that has spread to other parts of the body in adults who could not be treated successfully with other similar chemotherapy medications. Osimertinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop or slow the spread of cancer cells and may help shrink tumors.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Osimertinib comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food once a day. The length of your treatment depends on how well this medication works for you, and the side effects that you experience. Take osimertinib at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take osimertinib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you cannot swallow the tablets, place the tablet into 4 tablespoons (2 oz [60 mL]) of water and stir until the tablet is in small pieces. Drink the mixture right away. Pour in another half a cup (4 oz [120 mL]) to a cup of water (8 oz [240 mL]) to the container you used, rinse, and drink to make sure you get the full dose of osimertinib. Do not use carbonated water or any other liquid to dissolve the osimertinib tablet. Do not crush the tablet or heat the mixture. If you have a nasogastric (NG) tube, your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to give this mixture through an NG tube.
Your doctor may temporarily or permanently stop your treatment or decrease your dose of osimertinib depending on the side effects that you experience. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Do not stop taking osimertinib without talking to your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
