Nilotinib: how to take it safely
Tasigna
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not open or chew.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
Take it with
On an empty stomach: no food for 2 hours before and 1 hour after.
What to avoid
- Food close to the dose. It can raise drug levels dangerously.
- Grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems or take medicines that affect the heart.
- Pregnancy.
- Live vaccines unless your cancer team says so.
- Contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox or flu.
- Alcohol, unless your team says it is safe.
Possible side effects
Rash, itching, headache, nausea, tiredness, high blood sugar.
Get help if
Fainting, palpitations, chest pain, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, or a cold painful leg: get urgent help.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.