Nilotinib

Generic name: nilotinib [ nye-LOE-ti-nib ]
Brand name: Tasigna
Dosage form: oral capsule (150 mg; 200 mg; 50 mg)
Drug class:BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 15, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is nilotinib?

Nilotinib is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Nilotinib is usually given after other treatments have failed.

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

Warnings

You should not use nilotinib if you have long QT syndrome, or low blood levels of potassium or magnesium.

Nilotinib can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain other medicines at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Your heart function may need to be checked before and during treatment with nilotinib.

Call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you have fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out).

Avoid eating anything for at least 2 hours before and 1 hour after you take nilotinib.

Before taking this medicine

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

• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium; or

• a heart rhythm disorder called long QT syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease, heartbeat problems, or long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• a stroke;

• blood circulation problems in your legs;

• bleeding problems;

• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium;

• severe problems with lactose (milk sugar);

• liver disease;

• pancreatitis; or

• surgical removal of your stomach (total gastrectomy).

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use nilotinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using nilotinib and for at least 14 days after your last dose.

Do not breastfeed while you are taking nilotinib and for at least 14 days after your last dose.

How should I take nilotinib?

Nilotinib is usually taken every 12 hours. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly a...