How long did you have side effects from Tagrisso?

Thank you all for your suggestions and support. Kefir is helping!
Update: after nearly 9 months on the 80mg Tagrisso, in addition to the diarrhea I developed a full body rash (very itchy) and my fingernails became quite brittle and seemed to stop growing. I shared these new symptoms with my oncologist and he agreed to drop the dosage to 40mg. Thankful - and hopeful that this will ease the side effects.

I was diagnosed Stage 1B adenocarcinoma in January 2025 and had my partial lobectomy (with a robot assist!) in February 2025. As many have said, this is a journey ....

@sierranevadagal395
I’m also 1B ADENOCARCINOMA - EGFR 19. I had a complete RLL lobectomy. I’m starting Tagrisso next week. I’ve asked my oncologist if I can start at 40mg. May I ask your age and where you live? I’m so glad to find this community! Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope your symptoms and quality of life improve soon!
Lisa

hi @kathleenhalligan59 - welcome to Mayo Connect. targeted treatments don't always feel very targeted. 😓 what symptoms are giving you trouble? I'm on a medication pause for the last month, but before that I took Tagrisso for 2.5 years.

@mamajite I am 66 year-old I had half of my right lung removed the top lobe in the bottom lobe. It had metastasized to my lymph nodes. I had surgery in September. I started chemo in October. I had four treatments that ended in January 1 and then I started Tagrisso so I’ve been on Tagrisso for about six or seven months now it’s extremely difficult on my stomach. I have chronic diarrhea and if I take one of the Imodium‘s then my constipation is so bad and it just makes this vicious cycle. I also drink a lot of water and apparently that’s been flushing away my sodium levels so right now the last two weeks I’ve been feeling pretty sick. There are times when I feel well and I spend my day with my husband who has dementia and sewing, but the last two weeks I haven’t been able to do any of that.

@mamajite I am 66 year-old I had half of my right lung removed the top lobe in the bottom lobe. It had metastasized to my lymph nodes. I had surgery in September. I started chemo in October. I had four treatments that ended in January 1 and then I started Tagrisso so I’ve been on Tagrisso for about six or seven months now it’s extremely difficult on my stomach. I have chronic diarrhea and if I take one of the Imodium‘s then my constipation is so bad and it just makes this vicious cycle. I also drink a lot of water and apparently that’s been flushing away my sodium levels so right now the last two weeks I’ve been feeling pretty sick. There are times when I feel well and I spend my day with my husband who has dementia and sewing, but the last two weeks I haven’t been able to do any of that.

@kathleenhalligan59 Tagrisso absolutely gave me diarrhea, too. I found that taking 1 imodium at the same time as the Tagrisso worked well for me without constipation. I eat a pretty high fiber diet, though. As far as dehydration, I add an electrolyte powder to my water all the time and it really helps me feel better. I like the one Ultima makes, but any of them would help.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IIGQ5KG?

@kathleenhalligan59 Tagrisso not “ grease so” ugh

I take an electrolyte that does not have sugar - I find most too sweet. I use one by Native Patch - the Berry mix is best. This helps with dry mouth and skin.

I had diarrhea for 6 months and could not take Imodium - made me very sick. I take a probiotic every day and also a supplement - EMMA made by Enclave Bioactives, created by a gastro doctor. No more diarrhea and no constipation. I have been on Tagrisso for almost 3 years.