Tasigna (Nilotinib) for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Overview
Tasigna is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) — a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm — in chronic phase and adults with chronic or accelerated phase Ph+ CML who are resistant to or intolerant of prior therapy that included imatinib.

Tasigna is also referred to by its drug name, nilotinib.

Tasigna is a member of the kinase inhibitor class of drugs. It is believed to work by blocking the expression of a kinase enzyme produced by an abnormal chromosome called the Philadelphia chromosome. This enzyme promotes cancer cell proliferation, and blocking its activity can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tasigna is taken orally as a capsule twice daily on an empty stomach.

Tasigna should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor and not stopped suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Tasigna, consult your doctor for a plan to reduce your dose gradually.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Tasigna lists common side effects including nausea, rash, headache, fatigue, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, constipation, joint pain, the common cold, fever, night sweats, and low blood cell counts.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Tasigna include very low blood cell counts, coronary artery blockage, pancreatic damage, liver damage, a condition known as tumor lysis syndrome, bleeding events, and fetal harm.

Tasigna is not appropriate for people who are pregnant and might not be appropriate for people who are breastfeeding or have liver impairment or heart problems. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, and mention any existing medical conditions before taking Tasigna.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Tasigna — Novartis
https://www.us.tasigna.com/

Tasigna — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/tasigna.html