Medications like Tagrisso can have potential side effects. Here's a breakdown of common side effects and strategies for managing them.
Tagrisso, a brand-name oral tablet, is prescribed for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While it can be an effective treatment, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects, some of which can be serious.
Mild Side Effects
Mild side effects of Tagrisso include nausea, mild rash or other skin problems, diarrhea, stomatitis (mouth sores), abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, nail problems, fatigue, nasopharyngitis (sore throat), upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection (UTI), decreased appetite, cough, hair loss, and nosebleeds.
For mild symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antinausea medication and suggest eating small, frequent snacks instead of three large meals a day. Natural antinausea remedies such as ginger or pressure-point wristbands may also help.
Serious Side Effects
However, more serious side effects can occur. For instance, Tagrisso can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include rash, itching, flushing, swelling under your skin, swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe.
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Anemia is another common side effect of Tagrisso. It can occur when your red blood cell levels become low. Symptoms can include fatigue, pale-looking skin, bruising, bleeding, fever, trouble breathing, fast or irregular heart rate, dizziness, headache, chest pain. In rare cases, Tagrisso can cause aplastic anemia to develop.
If you develop anemia symptoms, you should let your doctor know. There are several types of anemia treatments available.
Critical Side Effect: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) or Pneumonitis
The most prominently reported severe risk associated with Tagrisso is severe or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) or ILD-like reactions such as pneumonitis. Patients experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained fever should seek medical attention promptly.
Tagrisso can also cause long-term side effects such as keratitis (inflammation of the eye) and heart failure. If you develop heart failure, it's likely to require long-term treatment.
Other Serious Side Effects
Other serious but less common adverse events related to blood cell counts may occur, especially in combination with chemotherapy. However, ILD represents the key serious safety concern for Tagrisso monotherapy.
Tagrisso may cause mild or serious skin problems, including rash, dry skin, itching, acne, eczema, blistering, skin peeling, "target-shaped" or ring-shaped skin lesions (associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme major).
Tagrisso may also cause an ocular (eye) problem called keratitis, which can lead to corneal ulcers or scars.
In clinical trials, heart rhythm problems and congestive heart failure (CHF) occurred with Tagrisso, leading to death in rare cases.
Precautions
If you develop nail problems after starting Tagrisso, talk with your doctor. They may recommend ways to treat this side effect, especially if you have infected nails.
Long QT syndrome is one possible heart rhythm problem that may occur with Tagrisso.
In animal studies giving Tagrisso to lactating animals caused an increased risk for death and growth problems in their offspring. You should not breastfeed while taking Tagrisso or for 2 weeks after your last dose.
The drug is FDA-approved for NSCLC that has a type of mutation in a gene called EGFR.
Remember, it's crucial to discuss any concerns or questions about Tagrisso with your doctor. Always follow their advice and report any unusual symptoms promptly.
- Recognize the potential serious side effects of Tagrisso, such as allergic reactions, anemia, interstitial lung disease (ILD) or ILD-like reactions (pneumonitis), heart rhythm problems, heart failure, ocular (eye) problems like keratitis, and long-term skin issues.
- Learn about milder side effects, including nausea, skin problems, diarrhea, stomatitis, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal pain, nail problems, fatigue, nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, decreased appetite, cough, hair loss, and nosebleeds.
- Your doctor may prescribe antinausea medication or suggest small, frequent snacks for mild symptoms, while natural antinausea remedies like ginger or pressure-point wristbands may also help.
- If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or contact your doctor right away if your symptoms are mild.
- Despite its effectiveness, it's essential to consider the consequences of Tagrisso treatment on health and wellness, including mental health, fitness and exercise, skin care, and nutrition. It may also impact medical conditions like anemia, respiratory conditions, and cancer, which should be discussed with your doctor before starting treatment.
