How long did you have side effects from Tagrisso?

Posted by sierranevadagal395 @sierranevadagal395, May 12, 2025

I've been taking Tagrisso since mid-March after my partial lobectomy in February. Thankfully, the cancer was Stage 1B so no chemo or radiation... just the Tagrisso.

For those of you who take Tagrisso, how long did you experience side effects? Diarrhea is the most unpleasant side effect and hope that I won't have to take Imodium for the duration of my treatment.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | May 13, 2025

Hi @sierranevadagal395. Welcome! There are many Mayo Connect discussions regarding Tagrisso in the Lung Cancer group. Here's a link to a specific discussion, and another to some search results:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tagrisso-and-diarrhea/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/
I take a different targeted therapy (alectinib for ALK mutation). In my experience, and confirmed by many Tagrisso members, side effects can diminish over time but some sick around for the long haul. Everyone's tolerance for these drugs is a bit different. The GI issues can be difficult to deal with. After 5 years on alectinib, I still struggle for find the right balance. Does the Imodium help when you take it? I tried talking with a dietician to address the issues, it was somewhat helpful for me.

nanajan26 | @nanajan26 | May 13, 2025

I was on it for 7 weeks and developed pneumonitis & had to stop taking it. I had stage 3 with 6 chemotherapy & 30 days of radiation. I was cancer free in February but have another scan next month. I can't take any immunotherapy drugs. I would be grateful if I could have stayed on it and had mild side effects. The odds aren't good for me.