In the last decade, lung cancer has advanced significantly, offering new hope to patients. The discovery of Osimertinib and its benefit in treating lung cancer is an important step towards improving survival rates. Developed by AstraZeneca under the brand name Tagrisso, has been a game-changer in improving survival rates, but its high cost makes it inaccessible to many.
What is Tagrisso?
Tagrisso, containing the active ingredient Osimertinib, is a prescription drug commonly used to treat various Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations. It mainly targets Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Developed by AstraZeneca, this drug inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells by blocking the signals that drive proliferation.
FDA-approved in 2015, the medicine is a third-generation drug and is often hailed as a life-saving one.
Uses of Tagrisso
Tagrisso is a lung cancer drug used in the following situations:
- After surgery to remove a tumor
- When the cancer has metastasized from the lungs (as a first-line treatment)
- When cancer has not improved or returned even after being hit with a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI).
It is an oral medication that comes in tablet form and must be swallowed. Since the cost of Tagrisso is high, people have been leaning more towards generic Tagrisso and alternatives.
Why is the Cost of Tagrisso High?
Tagrisso’s cost can vary based on factors such as your location, the pharmacy, and your insurance plan. However, 40mg of it generally retails for approximately $18,416 for 30 tablets.
One of the primary reasons for this high price is that Tagrisso is a brand-name drug. Brand-name medications are significantly more expensive because pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in research, development, and clinical trials to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
However, generic versions contain the same active molecule and offer the same therapeutic benefits but are much more affordable since they do not require extensive clinical trials or research costs.
Generic Alternatives to Tagrisso
Although Tagrisso is covered by insurance, many patients still struggle to afford or access the medication due to its high cost. Therefore, generic versions of Tagrisso have emerged in certain regions where AstraZeneca’s patents do not apply. Pharmaceutical companies in these areas have developed generic Osimertinib, offering a more affordable alternative to patients in need.
Let us discuss available medicines containing Osimertinib:
Tagrix:
Tagrix is manufactured by Beacon Pharmaceuticals Limited. It is a generic version of Osimertinib, which is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is specifically designed to target and bind selectively to certain EGFR mutations, including T790M, L858R, and exon 19 deletion. Tagrix attaches itself to these mutations and slows or stops the cancer from spreading.
- Recommended Dosage: 80mg per day
- Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
- Method of Administration: Oral tablets
- Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib
- Strength: 40mg and 80mg
Side effects of Tagrix include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin Rashes
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Mouth sores
Some serious side effects include:
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Heart Problems (QT Prolongation and Cardiomyopathy)
- Liver Problems
- Blood Clots
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
Osimert
Osimert, manufactured by Everest Pharmaceuticals, is a kinase inhibitor used to treat patients with metastatic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) T790M mutations. This mutation often signifies that lung cancer has developed resistance to traditional TKIs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
It works by irreversibly binding to certain mutated forms of EGFR at approximately 9-fold lower concentrations than wild-type EGFR. This targeted approach enhances its antitumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring EGFR mutations, making it an effective treatment option for patients with resistant lung cancer.
- Method of Administration: Oral medication
- Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains 95.4 mg of Osimertinib Mesylate
- Recommended Dosage: One tablet of 80 mg/day
- Food Interactions: Can be taken with or without food
- Strengths: 80mg
Listed below are common side effects of Osimert:
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Itching
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Moreover, in case of some serious side effects, such as those listed below, you should stop taking Osimert immediately and consult a medical practitioner.
- Pneumonitis/Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)
- Heart problems (QT Prolongation)
- Eye problems
- Low white blood cell count
- Fetal harm
Osicent
Osicent 80 mg is an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI). It binds to cancerous cells and prevents them from sending signals to other cells. By inhibiting these signals, the medicine stops the cancer from spreading. Manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, it is a third-generation TKI specific for the gatekeeping of the T790M mutation.
- Recommended Dosage: 80 mg a day
- Method of Administration: Oral medication
- Components of the Tablet: Each tablet contains Osimertinib Mesylate
- Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
- Strengths: 80mg
Some side effects of Osicent include:
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Keratitis
- QTc Interval Prolongation
- Cardiomyopathy
If these side effects persist, consult your doctor immediately.
Osikin
Osikin, a product of Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd, represents a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It selectively targets EGFR mutations and T790M resistance mutations. Similar to other generic Tagrisso alternatives, it works by inhibiting EGFR signalling pathways, which suppresses tumour growth in severe NSCLC cases.
- Recommended Dosage: 80 mg tablet per day
- Strengths: 80mg
- Food Interactions: Take it with or without food
- Components of the Tablet: Osimertinib Mesylate INN
- Method of Administration: Oral tablets
Adverse effects of Osikin are:
- Rashes
- Diarrhea
Some serious side effects, like the ones listed below, may also occur, and in such cases, you should discontinue Osikin immediately and seek a healthcare professional.
Symptoms of life-threatening arrhythmia
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Symptomatic Congestive Heart Failure
Final Thoughts
Tagrisso is a life-changing drug for individuals suffering from lung cancer. However, its high cost makes it inaccessible to a large portion of the population. Hence, people who are not able to afford Tagrisso may look towards other generic Tagrisso alternatives.
If you are considering looking for an alternative to Tagrisso, it is essential that you first consult a healthcare provider to ensure the alternative is safe, effective, and legally available.
Indogenmed believes in providing access to generic Tagrisso to everyone who needs it. Buy alternatives today and change your quality of life!
Disclaimer: For general information only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. Exercise discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tagrisso work for stage 4 lung cancer?
Tagrisso is approved for the treatment of Stage 4 NSCLC in patients with EGFR mutations.
How much does Tagrisso cost per month?
The cost varies depending on the location, availability, and insurance coverage. In the United States, Tagrisso’s cost ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per month.
Is Tagrisso better than chemo?
Tagrisso showed better results than chemotherapy in patients with lung cancers harboring EGFR mutations. Since it specifically targets cancer cells, it results in fewer side effects and improves survival.
How long can you live on Tagrisso?
Actual survival time varies based on individual health, cancer type, and disease progression. However, clinical studies indicate that patients treated with Tagrisso achieved a median overall survival of 38 months, highlighting its effectiveness in extending life expectancy for those with EGFR-mutated lung cancer.
When was Tagrisso approved?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Tagrisso for the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC in 2015.
Can Tagrisso cause hair loss?
Yes, mild hair loss or hair thinning is a side effect of Tagrisso.
What is the best time to take Tagrisso?
You can take Tagrisso at any time of the day. However, the recommended dosage for Tagrisso is one tablet per day and it can be taken with or without food.
What does Tagrisso do to cancer cells?
Tagrisso inhibits EGFR mutations and blocks the signalling pathways that facilitate cancer cell growth. This, in turn, slows down tumour progression.
Which company makes Tagrisso?
AstraZeneca, a global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, manufactures Tagrisso.
Reference:
https://www.drugs.com/compare/tagrisso
https://www.ziskapharma.com.bd/public/storage/product-files/osikin-prescribing-information-214.pdf