What is TAGRISSO used for?
TAGRISSO is used in adults to treat a type of cancer called “non-small cell lung cancer” when
the tumour has a change (mutation) in a gene called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor).
TAGRISSO can be used for five patient groups:
For the following indication(s) TAGRISSO has been approved without conditions. This means it has passed Health Canada’s review and can be bought and sold in Canada.
- TAGRISSO is used as a single drug after the tumours are removed by surgery, to prevent the cancer from coming back, if:
- You test positive for an “EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation” or an “EGFR exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutation”. This is checked by a test before TAGRISSO is used.
- TAGRISSO is used as a single drug after the tumours are removed by surgery, to prevent the cancer from coming back, if:
- TAGRISSO is also used as a single drug when the tumours have spread to other parts of the body (locally advanced or metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery if:
- You test positive for an “EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation” or an “EGFR exon 21 (L858R) substitution mutation”. This is tested before TAGRISSO is used for the first treatment of your cancer.
- OR
- You test positive for an “EGFR T790M mutation” – this is checked before TAGRISSO is used. You may have been treated before with other EGFR inhibitor medicines.
- TAGRISSO is also used with other anti-cancer medicines such as pemetrexed and a platinum-containing chemotherapy. This treatment combination is used when the tumours have spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery if:
- Your tumours have “EGFR exon 19 deletion” or “EGFR exon 21 (L858R) substitution” mutations. This is checked by a test before TAGRISSO is used for the first treatment of your cancer.
- For the following indication TAGRISSO has been approved with conditions (NOC/c). This means it has passed Health Canada’s review and can be bought and sold in Canada, but the manufacturer has agreed to complete more studies to make sure the drug works the way it should. For more information, talk to your healthcare professional.
- TAGRISSO is also used as a single drug when the tumours cannot be removed by surgery, and are stable after treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy and radiation, if:
- The tumours have ‘EGFR exon 19 deletion’ or ‘EGFR exon 21 (L858R) substitution’ mutations. This is checked by a test before TAGRISSO is used.
- TAGRISSO is also used as a single drug when the tumours cannot be removed by surgery, and are stable after treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy and radiation, if:
How does TAGRISSO work?
TAGRISSO targets EGFR-sensitizing mutations and EGFR T790M mutations.
- TAGRISSO may help prevent your lung cancer from coming back after removal of the tumour by surgery.
- It may also help to slow or stop your lung cancer from growing or help to shrink the tumour.
- TAGRISSO has been shown to produce effects on the tumour within 6 to 12 weeks of starting therapy. However, this may vary from patient to patient.
How do I take TAGRISSO?
When taking TAGRISSO alone or with pemetrexed and chemotherapy drugs that contain platinum:
The usual adult dose of TAGRISSO is a single 80 mg tablet every day.
- Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or healthcare team tells you to take it. Do not stop taking this medicine - talk to your healthcare professional first. It is important to take this medicine every day, for as long as your healthcare professional prescribes it for you. If you do not take this medicine as prescribed by your healthcare professional, your cancer may grow again. Check with your healthcare professional if you are not sure.
- Take TAGRISSO by mouth, with or without food, every day at about the same time.
- Swallow the TAGRISSO tablet whole with water. Do NOT crush, split or chew the tablet.
- Your healthcare professional may interrupt, adjust, or stop your dose based on your current health, if you are taking certain other medications, or if you have certain side effects.
Patient & Caregiver Resources
Safety Information for TAGRISSO
Serious Warnings and Precautions
TAGRISSO should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional with experience in the use of anti-cancer drugs.
These are rare but serious side effects that have been seen in patients taking TAGRISSO:
- Serious Lung Problems (interstitial lung disease [including pneumonitis]): This can cause inflamed or
scarred lungs and death in some cases. - Serious Electrical Problems with the Heart: Abnormal electrical signal of the heart (QT interval prolongation).
- Heart Failure and an Enlarged Heart: When your heart is weak and can’t pump well enough to get blood to the
body. It may lead to death.
For more information:
For complete safety information, please see the Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website
(http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php), the manufacturer’s website (www.astrazeneca.ca), or by calling 1-800-668-6000.
Additional Resources
These dedicated organizations may prove to be great resources for you.
Canadian Cancer Society supports Canadians living with cancer
www.cancer.ca
1-888-939-3333
Lung Cancer Canada increases awareness about lung cancer, supports patients living with lung cancer and the individuals
who care for them and provides education resources to lung cancer patients, their family members and healthcare
professionals.
www.lungcancercanada.ca
1-888-445-4403
The Lung Association works to save lives, and prevent and improve lung health through research, advocacy, education
and support.
www.lung.ca
1-888-566-5864
Cancer Hope Network works with cancer patients and their loved ones through one-on-one peer support from survivors and caregivers.
www.cancerhopenetwork.org
1-877-HOPENET
Lung Health Foundation helps support people across Canada living with lung cancer through cancer initiatives, educational programs, research, and increasing awareness.
www.lunghealth.ca
416-864-9911
Canadian Cancer Survivor Network promotes health and education for patients, caregivers, and survivors related to physical and financial impacts of cancer, and managing it.
www.survivornet.ca
613-898-1871
Canadian Partnership Against Cancer works with partners across Canada to help improve cancer outcomes and increase access to care for all Canadians.
www.partnershipagainstcancer.ca/
(416) 915-9222