nilotinib

Brand name(s):

Tasigna

What is the most important information I should know about nilotinib?

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Do not use nilotinib while you are breast-feeding a baby. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nilotinib, or if you have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, or a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Before using nilotinib, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, a personal history of pancreatitis, or a family history of "Long QT syndrome."

Take nilotinib on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Call your doctor at once if you have any serious side effects, such as dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat, feeling short of breath, swelling, seizure, warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with nausea and vomiting.

There are many other medicines that can cause interact with nilotinib. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and bone marrow will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your heart rate may also be checked using electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG). This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

What is nilotinib?

Nilotinib interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.

Nilotinib is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Nilotinib is usually given to people who cannot take certain other leukemia medications, or who have tried other medications without successful treatment.

Nilotinib may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nilotinib?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to nilotinib, or if you have:

low blood levels of potassium or magnesium; or
a history of "Long QT syndrome."

Before using nilotinib, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

heart disease or heart rhythm disorder;
liver disease;
a personal history of pancreatitis; or
a family history of "Long QT syndrome."

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take nilotinib.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use nilotinib without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. It is not known whether nilotinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication while you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old.

Nilotinib capsules may contain lactose. Talk to your doctor before using this medication if you have galactose intolerance, or severe problems with lactose (milk sugar).

Page: 1 2 3 Next >

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.