The discovery of a cancer can be a difficult period, both for the carrier and for those around.
There are some treatments that aim to avoid or reduce the effects caused by the disease, in order to improve the patient’s quality of life.
One of these drugs is Tagrisso, used to treat some types of lung cancer .
Know more about him:
Contents
What is the medicine Tagrisso?
Tagrisso is a drug administered orally, used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Its active ingredient is Osimertinib and is manufactured by Astrazeneca – a biopharmaceutical company.
The drug works by blocking a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells – EGFR -, reducing or even inhibiting the development of these cells in the lung.
What is it for? How does the package insert indicate use?
There are two main types of lung cancer: that of small cells – small tumors that, in general, have a greater recurrence in people who smoke – and that of non-small cells (NSCLC).
Tagrisso is used to treat adults diagnosed with a non-small cell lung tumor, for initial treatment or after previous therapy with other drugs.
The use of the drug is only indicated if there is a diagnosis that confirms mutation in specific genes – L858R and T790M. Therefore, not all people with lung cancer can receive this medication.
It works by helping to slow or inhibit the development of cancer cells and to reduce existing tumors.
For its treatment, according to the package insert, it is indicated to use 80mg of Tagrisso (1 tablet of 80mg or 2 of 40mg), once a day.
Despite the indication, it is important to follow the recommendations of the doctor (a) responsible, who can change the doses according to the clinical condition of each patient.
What is the survival rate with Tagrisso?
The overall response rate refers to the reduction or disappearance of the tumor after treatment. For Tagrisso, this rate is 77%. Regarding the survival rate, some health reports indicate an average of 18.9 months.
Thus, after 5 years of the drug’s use, 77% of the people treated remain alive.
Does Tagrisso have side effects?
-Yeah . Like other medicines, Tagrisso can cause some side effects.
Among the very common reactions listed on the package insert are:
- Diarrhea;
- Inflammation in the mouth;
- Skin lesions;
- Itch;
- Inflammation of the skin around the nails;
- Dry skin;
- Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood;
- Decrease in the number of blood cells.
Considered a common reaction, changes in the functioning of the lungs can also be observed.
The unusual and rare side effects, however, that can happen are:
- Cardiac alteration;
- Blistering of the skin;
- Skin peeling;
- Changes in vision.
Despite the reactions mentioned, it is important to mention that each organism reacts differently to the medication. That way, not all people will necessarily experience all the side effects.
What is the price of Tagrisso 40mg and 80mg?
Tagrisso is a product that has a high cost, with prices that vary according to the dosage.
It is available in two presentations: 40mg and 80mg.
The Tagrisso 40mg costs, on average, US $ 37,113 *. Already Tagrisso 80mg has value around R $ 37,099 *.
* Price consulted in December 2019. Prices may change.
Does SUS supply Tagrisso?
No . Tagrisso is not part of the drugs supplied directly by SUS.
However, patients with a medical prescription to use the medication, but who are unable to afford treatment costs, can request free access to the drug in court.
For that, it is necessary to open a judicial process with information such as medical report, exams, application and budget in three different pharmacies.
For the realization of the quotation, it is possible to obtain assistance in advising on the quotation of high-cost drugs , which makes a personalized quote simply and quickly.
Is Tagrisso registered with ANVISA?
-Yeah . The drug was registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency in 2016, in the therapeutic class of antineoplastic agents.
All information about the drug can be found on the agency’s website.
Is Tagrisso part of the ANS list?
No . The list of ANS is the list of basic procedures (exams, surgeries, consultations) that health plans are obliged to cover for their clients.
Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer with the Tagrisso medication is not on that list.
Despite this, patients who need treatment with medication can apply in court for coverage by the health plan.
In such cases, each process will be evaluated individually, based on the arguments of the applicant.
Where to buy Tagrisso?
The Tagrisso is sold under simple prescription – when there is no income retention – and can be found in special pharmacies physical and online.
One option is the Consulta Remédios website , where you can make quotes and compare prices at different pharmacies.
Non-small cell lung cancer is a disease that affects many people worldwide. In Brazil, there are about 150 thousand cases per year.
For treatment, medicines like Tagrisso appeared.
The Healthy Minute has other information about diseases and treatments . Keep reading!