What is Tasigna? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Tasigna

• Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally would. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Drink extra water to help avoid possible side effects.

• Swallow the capsule whole with water. If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the contents over one teaspoon of applesauce (puréed apple). Do not mix the medicine with any other food. Swallow the mixture right away within 15 minutes. Do not save any of the mixture for later use.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach. Do not eat for at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after you take your dose.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Do not change your dose or stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tasigna

Tasigna contraindications - Who shouldn't take Tasigna?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to nilotinib, or if you are pregnant.

Tasigna warnings

• Oral routeIt is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 14 days after your last dose.

• Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 14 days after the last dose.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You will also need to have an ECG test (electrocardiogram) to check your heart rhythm.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, heart rhythm problems (including long QT syndrome), lung disease, a recent heart attack, or a history of pancreas problems or stroke. Tell your doctor if you had surgery to remove your stomach (total gastrectomy) or if you have problems with lactose.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation)Heart or blood vessel problems (including decreased blood flow to your legs, heart, or brain)Pancreatitis (swelling of pancreas)Liver problemsTumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)Increased risk of bleeding

• After at least 3 years of treatment with this medicine, your doctor may do certain tests to check if you continue to show no symptoms of your cancer (remission) and may let you stop taking it. However, you may need to restart treatment, at a later time, if you are no longer in remission.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

• Rapid weight gain, swelling of your hands, ankles, or feet

• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever

• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Tasigna interactions & what to avoid when taking Tasigna

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. You will also need to have an ECG test (electrocardiogram) to check your heart rhythm.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• If you are also using medicine to block stomach acid production (including cimetidine, famotidine, or ranitidine), take it at least 10 hours before or 2 hours after you take nilotinib. If you are using an antacid that contains aluminum, magnesium, or simethicone, take it at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take nilotinib.

• Some medicines can affect how nilotinib works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Alfentanil, atazanavir, carbamazepine, chloroquine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, esomeprazole, fentanyl, haloperidol, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methadone, midazolam, nefazodone, nelfinavir, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, rifabutin, rifampin, rifampicin, rifapentine, ritonavir, saquinavir, sirolimus, St John's wort, tacrolimus, telithromycin, voriconazole, warfarinMedicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)Proton pump inhibitor (including esomeprazole)

• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

• Oral routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.