Does Osimertinib (Tagressa) need to be taken on an empty stomach or before meals before and after taking it?

Osimertinib (trade name: Tagrisso) is a third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). It is intended to be used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carrying EGFR sensitive mutations and T790M mutations. Since it is an oral preparation, many patients are concerned about the timing of taking the medication on an empty stomach or before meals. According to the instructions provided by the original manufacturer AstraZeneca (AstraZeneca), osimertinib can be taken with food or on an empty stomach and has little effect on absorption. In other words, patients do not have to take the medicine strictly on an empty stomach or before meals. They can take it at a fixed time every day according to personal habits.

Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that there is no significant difference in the blood concentration of osimertinib (Cmax and AUC) between eating a high-fat meal and taking it on an empty stomach, and the range of change is generally within ±6%, which has no clinical significance for efficacy and safety. Therefore, unlike some TKI drugs that need to be taken on an empty stomach or after meals, the absorption of osimertinib is relatively stable and is not affected by food. This gives patients more flexibility in medication use and helps improve long-term medication compliance.

Although osimertinib is not affected by food, it is recommended that patients take the drug at the same time every day to maintain stable blood concentrations. At the same time, avoid taking it with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, because the ingredients in it may inhibit the CYP3A4 metabolizing enzyme, thereby increasing the drug concentration and increasing the risk of side effects. If the patient has difficulty swallowing, the tablets can be dissolved in still water and taken immediately, but do not crush or chew them.

In clinical use, some patients have obvious gastrointestinal reactions due to a history of chemotherapy. Taking the medicine after meals can reduce gastric irritation or nausea. Doctors usually recommend a specific time based on the patient's gastrointestinal tolerance. In general, osimertinib can be taken on an empty stomach or with food. The key is to take the medicine at the same time every day and avoid missing or repeating the medicine. If you experience obvious gastric discomfort or suspected drug interactions, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist in time to adjust your medication habits or medication time.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/