What is nilotinib?
Nilotinib interferes with the growth of some cancer cells.
Nilotinib is used to treat a type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Nilotinib may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about nilotinib?
You should not use nilotinib if you are allergic to it, or if you have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, or a history of Long QT syndrome.
Do not use nilotinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
You should not breast-feed while you are taking nilotinib.
Before using nilotinib, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder, liver disease, a personal history of pancreatitis, a family history of Long QT syndrome, or if your stomach has been surgically removed (total gastrectomy).
There are many other drugs that can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with nilotinib. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
You will need regular medical tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as feeling light-headed with a fast or pounding heartbeat, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, flu symptoms, cough with stabbing chest pain, mouth sores, feeling light-headed or short of breath, swelling, sudden headache or vision problems, upper stomach pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking nilotinib?
You should not use nilotinib if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
To make sure you can safely take nilotinib, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart disease or heart rhythm disorder;
liver disease;
a personal history of pancreatitis;
a family history of Long QT syndrome; or
if your stomach has been surgically removed (total gastrectomy).
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use nilotinib if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether nilotinib passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking nilotinib.
Nilotinib capsules may contain lactose. Talk to your doctor before using this medication if you have galactose intolerance, or severe problems with lactose (milk sugar).