Tagrisso dosage - 80 vs 40 mg

Posted by sierranevadagal395 @sierranevadagal395, Oct 22 9:07am

Throwing out a question to those of us taking Tagrisso.

I've been on the 80mg dosage for seven months now ... and the diarrhea side effect continues. I'm wondering if anyone has had their dosage changed to the 40mg pill and seen a reduction in that particular side effect. My doctor keeps saying "80 mg is the standard dose" but it's obvious my body isn't happy, and it makes going about my daily life uncertain... always looking for a bathroom nearby. Imodium does help but ....

Any thoughts from others on this NSCLC treatment journey are appreciated!

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mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 22 2:51pm

hi @sierranevadagal395 - I've been on Tagrisso for almost 2 years and I can completely empathize. My oncologist didn't want to lower the dose bc it's having a positive effect. So my side effect management strategy has been to take a daily imodium. Eliminating dairy from my diet has also helped considerably (even though I miss it!)

sierranevadagal395 | @sierranevadagal395 | Oct 22 3:36pm

In reply to @mamajite "hi @sierranevadagal395 - I've been on Tagrisso for almost 2 years and I can completely empathize...." + (show)

@mamajite Thank you for the feedback ... appreciate it so much.
I guess I'll have to resign myself to taking the Imodium to manage the side effect of diarrhea. I'm having quite a bit of gastrointestinal gas as well - both burping and 'passing' - so appreciate the tip about eliminating dairy ... I'll try that, too!

seabright2001 | @seabright2001 | Oct 23 8:25am

In reply to @mamajite "hi @sierranevadagal395 - I've been on Tagrisso for almost 2 years and I can completely empathize...." + (show)

@mamajite
Have you tried Lactaid with dairy? I’m lactose intolerant and find it works for me.

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 23 2:05pm

In reply to @seabright2001 "@mamajite Have you tried Lactaid with dairy? I’m lactose intolerant and find it works for me." + (show)

@seabright2001 for me, the dairy issue is related to my meds. Diarrhea is a common side effect from Tagrisso (and other EGFR TKIs). I'm glad Lactaid helps you! 🙂

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 23 2:07pm

In reply to @sierranevadagal395 "@mamajite Thank you for the feedback ... appreciate it so much. I guess I'll have to..." + (show)

@sierranevadagal395 I hope these ideas might help. It's hard to do normal things when you're worried about leaving the house. Hugs!

plist | @plist | Oct 31 5:32pm

Has anyone here been experiencing severe dry skin / peeling? And any great suggestions? The Dr. just reduced the dosage to 40mg/day to see if that helps. Thanks.

mamajite | @mamajite | Oct 31 8:32pm

In reply to @plist "Has anyone here been experiencing severe dry skin / peeling? And any great suggestions? The Dr...." + (show)

@plist yes to dry skin. I saw on a different post you were inquiring for your mom. is there an area that is particularly troublesome for her? what helps me is layering moisturizer. I use a moisturizing sugar scrub in the shower and then apply a thick lotion and then a layer of almond oil. I also use a body butter for anytime my skin feels dry during the day and I need to add something more.

here are a few suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/PURA-DOR-Carrier-Oil-Certified/dp/B07R8WZR55
https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Hut-Hydrating-Exfoliating-Nourishing/dp/B07PR467S5
https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Hut-Fragrance-Free-Cleansing-Towelettes/dp/B09SBGKQ4K
https://kulaherbs.com/product-category/organic-lotion/
https://kulaherbs.com/product-category/organic-butter/
I hope your mom feels better soon - side effects are so tough! You are sweet to try and help her feel better. 🙂

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