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Tagrisso (osimertinib) eye side effects: what to watch for and when to call

By CSE Team · Last updated: October 15, 2026

If your eyes have felt gritty, watery, or sore since you started Tagrisso (osimertinib), you're right to pay attention. Eye side effects aren't among the most common ones, but the FDA label asks people to report them right away, because the main one, keratitis, is easier to treat when it's caught early. Here's what to look for, what an eye exam involves, and simple ways you and your family can look after your eyes during treatment.

ℹ️ General information to help you and your loved ones talk with your care team, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

Why a lung cancer pill can affect your eyes

Tagrisso is an EGFR inhibitor (a pill that blocks the EGFR growth signal) used for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer cells with an EGFR mutation depend on that signal, which is why the drug works. Healthy cells in the skin, nails, gut lining, and the surface of the eye use EGFR too. That's why the most common Tagrisso side effects show up in places like the skin and nails, and why the eye surface can sometimes be affected. A nursing review in JADPRO lists eye problems among the side effects seen across this whole drug class.

What the FDA label says

The Tagrisso prescribing information (updated September 2026) lists keratitis in its Warnings and Precautions section. Across 1,813 people who took Tagrisso alone in clinical trials, keratitis was reported in 0.6%. Here's how often it showed up in each of the main studies:

Numbers come from the Adverse Reactions section of the FDA label. They describe groups of people in studies, not your personal risk.

What keratitis can feel like

The cornea is the clear dome over the colored part of your eye. It's packed with nerves, which is why even a small problem there can hurt. The label and its patient information list these signs:

• Eye pain, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Lacrimation (watery eyes, or extra tearing)
• Photophobia (light sensitivity), when normal light feels too bright
• Blurry vision, or any change in how you see

Some of these overlap with dry eye, allergies, or a passing irritation, and it's hard to tell them apart at home. That's the reason to call rather than wait and guess. Eye symptoms are worth a call even if you've been on Tagrisso for a long time without any trouble.

What happens at the eye doctor

If your team thinks you could have keratitis, the label advises a prompt referral to an ophthalmologist. The visit is usually quick and painless. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the doctor may put a drop of orange-yellow dye (fluorescein) in your eye and look through a slit lamp (a microscope with a bright light) to spot any damage on the surface of the cornea. If an infection is possible, they may take a tiny sample to test.

Treatment depends on the cause. It may include lubricating drops, prescription drops for inflammation or infection, and advice about contact lenses. Bring your medicine list, including Tagrisso, so the eye doctor knows you take an EGFR inhibitor. Your oncologist and eye doctor will decide together whether Tagrisso needs a short pause while your eye heals. Please don't stop or skip doses on your own.

Dry, gritty, or irritated eyes

Not every eye complaint during treatment is keratitis. Cancer Research UK notes that some targeted drugs and chemo drugs can leave eyes dry, sore, or gritty, sometimes even while they water. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains that some cancer treatments can cause dry eye syndrome (when your eyes don't make enough tears), and that prescription drops or ointments can help.

Tell your team about dryness too, even if it's mild. Ask before using any eye drops, including ones from the drugstore, so they can suggest a type that fits your situation.

🏠 Everyday eye care during treatment

• Wash your hands before touching your eyes, putting in drops, or handling contact lenses.
• If you wear contacts, follow your eye doctor's cleaning routine closely, and never sleep in them. The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that contact lens wearers are more likely to get infections of the cornea.
• Keep a pair of glasses handy so you can rest your eyes when they feel irritated.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors if light bothers you, and a brimmed hat on bright days.
• Use a humidifier if the air at home is dry, and take screen breaks to blink and rest your eyes.
• Try not to rub your eyes. If the skin around your eyes is dry or has a rash, ask your team which creams are safe to use near the eyes.
• Keep up with regular eye exams, and tell every eye doctor that you take Tagrisso (osimertinib).

Other Tagrisso side effects to know about

Eye problems are only one part of the picture. The most common Tagrisso side effects are diarrhea, rash, muscle and bone aches, nail changes, dry skin, mouth sores, and tiredness. Our main Tagrisso (osimertinib) guide covers each one with home tips and help paying. If you've been taking it for a while, our guide to Tagrisso long-term side effects explains which effects tend to ease and which checkups continue.

Questions people often ask

Written by the CSE Team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write