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Drug Formulary

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niLOtinib

( ne-LOE-ti-nib )

Other Name(s): Tasigna®

Appearance: capsule in various strengths and colours

nilotinib patient.pdf

nilotinib pour le patient.pdf

niLOtinib

Pronunciation:

ne-LOE-ti-nib

Other Name(s):

Tasigna®

Appearance:

capsule in various strengths and colours

This handout gives general information about this cancer medication.

You will learn:

who to contact for help
what the medication is
how it is given
what to expect while on medication

This handout was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.

This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.

Who do I contact if I have questions or need help?

My cancer health care provider is: _____________________________________________

During the day I should contact: _______________________________________________

Evenings, weekends and holidays: _____________________________________________

This page gives general information about this cancer medication.

You will learn:

who to contact for help
what the medication is
how it is given
what to expect while on this medication

This information was created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) together with patients and their caregivers who have also gone through cancer treatment. It is meant to help support you through your cancer treatment and answer some of your questions.

This information does not replace the advice of your health care team. Always talk to your health care team about your treatment.

What is this treatment for?

For treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

What should I do before I start this treatment?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you have or had heart problems (including irregular heart beat), liver disease (including hepatitis), pancreatic or kidney problems, or have any allergies.
This drug contains a small amount of lactose. If you cannot tolerate lactose or galactose, talk to your doctor.
People who have cancer or leukemia are at a higher risk of developing other cancers/leukemias (usually some years later) or blood clots. Some cancer medications may increase these risks, especially if used for a prolonged period of time. You should discuss any concerns with your doctor.

How is this treatment given?

Take it exactly as directed by your doctor.
Do not crush or open the capsules.
Swallow whole with a glass of water on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after food or other medications. Do not take with meals as this may increase side effects.
If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open it and mix the content of each capsule in 1 teaspoon of applesauce and take right away. Do not mix with other foods/liquids or use more applesauce than recommended.
If you miss a dose, skip this and take your next dose as you normally do. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.

Will this treatment interact with other medications or natural health products?

Do not eat or drink grapefruit, starfruit, Seville oranges or their juices (or products that contain these) while on this treatment. They may increase side effects.

This medication can interact with other medications and can result in the treatment not working as well or cause severe side effects.

Make sure your health care team knows about all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, herbals and supplements). Check with your health care team before starting or stopping any of them.

Avoid alcohol while taking nilotinib as it may make the medicine not work as well.

What to do if you feel unwell, have pain, a headache or a fever

For mild aches and pain or fever:

If you feel unwell, take your temperature before taking any medications for pain or fever. They may hide a fever.
You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets. Ask your health care team about the right dose for you.
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA), including low dose aspirin for heart conditions, may increase your chance of bleeding. Talk to your health care team before you start or stop these medications.
Talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room right away if you have a fever. See the Fever pamphlet for more information.

How will this treatment affect sex, pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Nilotinib can harm the unborn baby and should not be used by pregnant women.
If there is ANY chance that you or your partner may become pregnant, you and your partner together must:►Use 2 effective forms of birth control at the same time while taking this drug: Keep using birth control until at least 4 weeks after stopping nilotinib. Discuss with your healthcare team.
Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while while on this treatment and for 2 weeks after your last dose.
This medication may affect fertility (ability to get pregnant).

How to safely store and handle this medication

Keep this medication in the original packaging at room temperature in a dry place, away from heat and light. Keep out of sight and reach of children and pets.

Do not throw out any unused medications at home. Bring them to your pharmacy to be thrown away safely.

What are the side effects of this treatment?

Common side effects usually occur in more than 1 out of every 10 patients. Other side effects are less common, but may be severe. You may not have all of the side effects below. You may have side effects that are not listed.

Side effects and what to do	When to contact doctor?
More Common Side Effects

Rash; dry, itchy skin (may be severe in some cases)

Stay out of the sun; wear sunblock, a hat and cover exposed skin.
Use daily moisturizer.
May be severe, including blisters and skin peeling; get emergency medical help right away if this occurs.

Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Nausea and vomiting (generally mild)

Drink clear fluids and avoid large meals. Get fresh air and rest.
Limit spicy, fried foods or foods with a strong smell.
Take anti-nausea drug(s) exactly as directed by your doctor. It is easier to prevent nausea than to treat it.
Contact your doctor if nausea lasts more than 48 hours or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
Also see Nausea & Vomiting pamphlet.*

Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Tiredness

Rest often; take naps if needed. Move slowly when getting up.
Eat well-balanced meals and drink plenty of fluids. Light exercise may help.
Do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery when feeling tired.

Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Headache; muscle pain

Take painkiller(s) as directed, if given to you by your doctor.
Otherwise, take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) tablets as needed for mild aches and pains. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dose for you.
Rest often, but may try light exercise.

Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Abnormal levels of pancreas tests (lipase, amylase) (may be severe in some cases)

Your doctor may monitor these regularly.
Get emergency help right away if you experience increased pain in the centre of the belly (may extend to your back), with appetite or weight loss.

Contact your health care team if no improvement or if severe

Unusual bleeding or bruising

You may have black stools, cough up blood, blood in your urine, purple or red dots on your skin or bleeding that will not stop.

Fever, chills, infection

You have a fever if your temperature taken in your mouth (oral temperature) is:

38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher at any time OR
38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher for at least one hour.

While you are getting chemotherapy treatments:

Keep a digital thermometer at home and take your temperature if you feel hot or unwell (for example, chills).
Avoid taking medications that treat a fever before you take your temperature (for example, Tylenol®, acetaminophen, Advil® or ibuprofen) as they may hide a fever.
Do not eat or drink anything hot or cold right before taking your temperature.
Wash your hands often.
Check with your doctor before getting any vaccines, surgeries or visiting your dentist.

If you have a fever, talk to your health care team or go to the closest emergency room.
See our Neutropenia (Low white blood cell count) pamphlet for more information.