Nilotinib
General English name: Nilotinib
Brand: Tasigna
Application: Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Pharmaceutical forms of nilotinib
Nilotinib Drug Information
Amount and method of taking Nilotinib
Contraindications to the use of nilotinib
Nilotinib during pregnancy and lactation
The effect of nilotinib on driving and working with machines
Nilotinib drug interactions
Special warnings and precautions while taking nilotinib
Side effects of Nilotinib
Nilotinib overdose (drug poisoning)
Storage conditions of Nilotinib
Pharmaceutical forms of nilotinib
Capsule
Nilotinib Drug Information
Nilotinib is a drug used to treat some types of cancer. Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow cells, and nilotinib is used to treat a type of leukemia called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
In cancer, certain cells in the body grow abnormally and multiply rapidly. Chemotherapy inhibits the growth and proliferation of these abnormal cells. Nilotinib belongs to a group of anticancer drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors. These drugs inhibit the chemical signals needed for cancer cells to grow (tyrosine kinases), and this mechanism in turn prevents cancer cells from multiplying and growing.
Amount and method of taking Nilotinib
- Carefully read the package leaflet before starting treatment with Nilotinib. This brochure will help you to get comprehensive information about the drug and its possible side effects.
- The dose and amount of medicine varies from person to person; Use the medicine exactly as your doctor advised. This capsule is usually given twice a day (morning and afternoon).
- This drug has different doses (150 and 200 mg) and the doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose of the drug according to the patient's condition.
- Try to take nilotinib at certain times of the day, preferably on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
- If you can not swallow the capsule, dissolve the powder in a tablespoon of apple puree and eat it. Note that the capsule powder should not be dissolved in anything other than apple puree.
- Do not take nilotinib with grapefruit juice as it lowers blood levels of the drug.
- If you forget to take your dose on time but soon forget to take it; But if you remember when the next dose is near the hour, do not take the missed dose. You should not take two doses of the medicine together because of the missed dose.
Contraindications to the use of nilotinib
- Note the expiration date of nilotinib and do not take it if your medicine has expired.
- Never give this medicine to another person, even if you have the same symptoms.
- Check for drug interactions with nilotinib, and if you are taking a drug that interacts with this drug, talk to your doctor about using your medications.
Nilotinib during pregnancy and lactation
You should not become pregnant or your partner may become pregnant while you are taking this medicine.
The effect of nilotinib on driving and working with machines
This medicine may cause headaches and fatigue, make sure you are alert before driving or operating machinery.
Nilotinib drug interactions
Drug interactions may alter drug performance and increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a list of all the medicines (including prescription / over-the-counter and herbal medicines) you use and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not change the dose of your medicine without consulting your doctor or stop taking the medicine.
Some drugs that may interact with nilotinib include antacids, H2 blockers (eg, cimetidine, famotidine, ranitidine), proton pump inhibitors (eg, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole).
Drugs that affect the elimination of nilotinib from the body and thus affect the function of nilotinib include: Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), Azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV-inhibitors such as proteinovir (inhibitors) (saquinavir), St. John's wort, anticonvulsant drugs (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin).
In addition to nilotinib, many medications may affect heart rhythm (prolongation of QT time), including: amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine , Sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin). Before taking nilotinib, give your doctor a list of all the medicines you are taking.
Special warnings and precautions while taking nilotinib
Some medications may not be prescribed under certain conditions, and some medications may be prescribed if additional treatment is needed; Therefore, it is best for your doctor to be aware of the following before taking nilotinib:
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby or breastfeed in the future.
- If you have an infection or feel sick.
- If you have liver or kidney disease.
- If you have pancreatitis.
- If you have vascular disorders or arrhythmias.
- If you are currently taking certain medications. These medicines include all the medicines available, whether you are prescribed them or taking them without a doctor's prescription, such as herbal medicines and complementary medicines.
- If you have ever been allergic to a particular drug.
Side effects of Nilotinib
All medications can cause side effects. But many consumers also do not experience any side effects. Some of the side effects go away after a short time of taking the medicine. In case of persistent side effects, the physician should be informed:
Feeling sick, indigestion and heartburn: Eat simple foods and avoid spicy and high-fat foods.
Feeling tired: Do not drive or use tools in this situation.
Hair loss, dry skin and itchy skin rashes: Consult your doctor if any of these are bothersome.
Muscle pain, headache: Ask your doctor to prescribe a suitable painkiller.
Consult your doctor if you have any other symptoms that you feel may be due to the use of nilotinib.
Nilotinib overdose (drug poisoning)
If you feel that someone has been poisoned and you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, fainting and weakness (fainting), call the emergency room immediately.
Storage conditions of Nilotinib
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.