Nilotinib can be used in the treatment of certain types of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia.
What is Nilotinib?
Nilotinib prevents the growth of cancer cells. It acts by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of the enzyme.
How should Nilotinib be taken?
Nilotinib is administered orally, usually in the form of capsules to be taken on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after meals).
Side effects associated with Nilotinib
Taking Nilotinib may be associated with severe abnormalities of the heartbeat and there have been reports of sudden death. Moreover, the treatment may increase the susceptibility to infection, reduce the number of platelets in the blood or increase the formation of thrombi.
Among the other possible adverse effects of the drug are included:
- Back ache
- Pain in bones, joints or muscles
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Gas
- Hair loss
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Mild itching
- Mild cramps or muscle spasms
- Mild upset stomach
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vomiting
- Weakness
It is important to contact a doctor immeditely if taking Nilotinib triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Burning, numbness, or tingling
- Variations in the amount of urine produced
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Slowed, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Psychological problems or mood changes
- Numbness or weakness in an arm or a leg
- Weakness in one side of body
- Convulsions
- Dizziness, headache, fatigue or severe or persistent weakness
- Stomach pain, nausea or severe or persistent vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty speaking
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles or eyes
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Liver problems
- Pancreatitis
- Vision problems
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Nilotinib
Treatment with Nilotinib may compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This effect can be aggravated by alcohol or other drugs.
Nilotinib should not be taken in case of long QT syndrome, QT prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, galactose intolerance, severe shortage of lactase, glucose or galactose malabsorption or severe lactose intolerance.
Treatment with Nilotinib is also contraindicated if you are taking amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol or other antiarrhythmic drugs, carbamazepine, chloroquine, clarithromycin, dexamethasone, haloperidol, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methadone, moxifloxacin, nefazodone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, protease inhibitors, PPI, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort, telithromycin, voriconazole, or drugs that may lead to QT prolongation.
Additionally, during the treatment is necessary to avoid the intake of grapefruit and its juice.
Before starting treatment it is important to inform your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients, other medicines, foods, or any other substance
- You suffer from a possible lactose intolerance
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol or other antiarrhythmic agents, chloroquine, clarithromycin, haloperidol, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methadone, moxifloxacin, nefazodone, pimozide, protease inhibitors, telithromycin, voriconazole , alfentanil, ciclosproine, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, fentanyl, midazolam (orally), sirolimus, tacrolimus, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, phenytoin, PPI, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort
- You suffer (or have suffered) from other cancers as well as leukemia, heart, kidney, liver, pancreas or bone marrow problems, low white blood cells or platelets, anemia or abnormalities in the levels of electrolytes in the blood (such as phosphorus, calcium or sodium)
- You have cases of QT prolongation in the family
- You have undergone total gastrectomy
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Lastly, it is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Nilotinib and talk to a doctor before you receive any vaccine, particularly living vaccines.
