This leaflet provides information on a course of treatment called osimertinib. The leaflet will explain what this is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on osimertinib are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is osimertinib?
Osimertinib is an anti cancer drug. It is not chemotherapy. It works by slowing down or stopping the cancer’s growth.
Osimertinib is given as tablets which are usually taken daily.
Why am I having osimertinib?
Your doctor has prescribed osimertinib because it has been found to be effective in controlling your type of cancer.
How should I take the osimertinib tablets?
Osimertinib tablets should be taken once a day with a glass of water. Try to take the tablets at approximately the same time each day. You can take the tablets with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with still (not sparkling/fizzy) water, do not crush, split or chew the tablets. If you are unable to swallow tablets, you can drop the tablets in 50mls of water, stir well and then drink, add additional water to rinse the glass and drink this also. Do not use any tablets from damaged packaging.
How many tablets will I need to take?
The amount you need to take will be clearly marked on the boxes. If you take too many tablets, please ring the chemotherapy pager straight away. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, you can take the missed dose as long as it is not 12 hours before your next dose.
How should I store the osimertinib tablets?
Your tablets should be stored in their original packaging in a safe place away from children. They should be kept in a cool dry place. Any unused tablets should be returned to the hospital pharmacy or your local chemist for safe disposal.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
What are the possible side effects?
There are a number of possible side effects which can occur with osimertinib treatment. The doctors, nurses and pharmacists can give you advice or answer any questions you may have.
Diarrhoea
You may have diarrhoea with this treatment. If this occurs it is important that you drink plenty of fluids. Medication is available to control diarrhoea. If you have four or more bowel movements in 24 hours above what is normal for you please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately. The telephone number is at the end of this leaflet.
Tiredness and fatigue
Osimertinib treatment can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest.
Sore mouth
Your mouth may become sore or you may notice small ulcers. Your doctor may prescribe mouthwashes or medication to help with this.
If your mouth becomes very painful or you are finding it difficult to eat and drink, you should stop taking your tablets and contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is towards the end of the leaflet.
Fingernails and toenails
Some patients may experience problems with pain, swelling or infection in the nailbed. If this occurs please ring the chemo pager, the telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. Please tell your doctor at your next clinic visit, as well.
Skin reactions
Skin reactions are the most common side effect of osimertinib. This is usually an acne-type rash which may be dry and itchy and cause mild discomfort. For a small number of people this reaction may be more severe. A severe rash would affect a large part of your body, may be painful and may become infected.
To reduce the possibility of severe skin reactions we suggest that you:
This skin reaction is temporary and will resolve completely after you have finished treatment. If you develop a severe skin reaction which is causing you pain or stopping you carrying out your normal activities, please contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone is at the end of this leaflet.
Low blood counts
Osimertinib can affect your blood count, occasionally, this may increase your risk of bleeding. If you notice unusual bruising or bleeding, please contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately for advice. The telephone numbers are towards the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections may be reduced by this treatment.
If you develop an infection whilst your white blood cells are low, you are at risk of sepsis, this can be life threatening.
Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade or below 35.5°centigrade. The telephone number at the end of this leaflet.
Heart Problems
If you have a heart condition or you take any heart medication, please tell your doctor before you start treatment. Some people, with an underlying heart condition, having osimertinib may experience heart problems. If you do have any palpitations or shortness of breath, you should stop taking your osimertinib tablets and phone the chemotherapy pager. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. If you experience chest pain, ring 999. Do not start taking your osimertinib again until you have spoken to the team at Velindre.
Blood clots
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other side effects
Very rarely some people having osimertinib may experience breathing problems, with or without fever, caused by the tablets. If you notice new breathing problems, with or without a fever, please contact the chemotherapy pager, the telephone number is at the end of this leaflet. In addition, you will be monitored at regular clinic visits.
It is important you do not become pregnant or father a child whilst having this treatment as it could damage the unborn baby. You need to use contraception whilst taking the tablets. For women you need to continue to use contraception for 2 months after completing the tablets and for men for 4 months. The tablets will also impair fertility.
It is important not to breastfeed whilst taking the medication
Is it alright to take other medicines with osimertinib?
If you are taking other medicines, vitamins or herbal remedies please let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know. There are a small number of medicines that you may have to avoid. These include St. John’s Wort, warfarin and fentanyl, amongst others.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which rarely can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
Ask for the treatment helpline if you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night. For example you should phone if you:
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
Smokers helpline Wales on 0800 085 2219
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. It has been approved by a team of doctors, nurses and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.