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Nilotinib ( nye-LOE-ti-nib ) (Tasigna®) What is this medication used for? Nilotinib is used to treat certain types of leukemia such as chronic myelogenous leukemia.
• Pain in arms, legs, or back • Shortness of breath (dyspnea) • Changes in electrolyte levels • Swelling or puffiness (peripheral edema) • Severe cerebrovascular disease, which can cause difficulty speaking and changes in balance Special instructions: • Nilotinib should be taken on an empty stomach. No food or drink should be consumed for 2 hours before the medicine is taken and for at least 1 hour after. • The capsules should be swallowed whole (not broken or chewed) • If swallowing the capsule is difficult, review with your healthcare provider the best way to take this medication. Wear gloves while preparing the medicine, and wash hands before and after getting it ready. • Must be separated from H2 blocker medications such as famotidine. Ask you healthcare provider for specific instructions • If a dose is missed or vomited, contact your healthcare provider. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Capsule How is it given? • By mouth (oral or po) What are the common side effects? • Fever • Low blood counts (white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, neutrophils) • Rash • Itching (pruritus) • Night sweats • Headache • Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain • Diarrhea or constipation • Joint pain (arthralgia) • Common-cold symptoms • Fatigue • Increase in blood sugar (hyperglycemia) • Changes to liver function tests • Dry skin • Muscle spasm or pain • Trouble sleeping (insomnia) What are the less common side effects? • High blood pressure • Hair loss (alopecia) • Feeling very full after eating or experiencing heartburn or burping (dyspepsia) • Bleeding in the throat, stomach, intestines, or rectum (gastrointestinal bleeding) • Weakness, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) • Dizziness
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
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