Tasigna

Tasigna (nilotinib) can cause a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. This can lead to fainting, seizures, or death. Because of this risk, your provider will perform an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart’s electrical activity before you start Tasigna (nilotinib) and while you take the medication. They might also check your blood for certain electrolytes that can affect your heart rhythm. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of an abnormal heartbeat, like feeling lightheaded, faint, or have a fast heartbeat.

In clinical studies, serious blood flow problems that can lead to blood clots, heart attack, or stroke have happened in people taking Tasigna (nilotinib). Make sure your provider knows your full medical history. They might monitor you more closely if you have a history of heart conditions. Contact your provider right away if you develop symptoms of low blood flow in the leg like leg pain, swelling, or cramping. Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience symptoms of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint) or stroke (e.g., numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden problems walking or speaking).

Tasigna (nilotinib) can cause the levels of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop. When these cell counts are lower than normal, you can feel more tired. You can also have a higher risk of bleeding, bruising, and developing infections. Your provider will check your blood counts often while you’re taking Tasigna (nilotinib). Let your provider know right away if you experience fevers, chills, or bleeding and bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, because you might need to have your dose lowered or stop this medication.

Some people taking Tasigna (nilotinib) might develop higher blood levels of lipase, a protein that’s made by the pancreas. This can raise the risk of pancreatitis. If you’ve had this pancreatic problem in the past, you might be at higher risk of developing it again during treatment. Your provider will monitor your lipase levels while you’re taking Tasigna (nilotinib). Let your provider know immediately if you have sudden pain in your stomach that happens with nausea and vomiting. This can be a symptom of pancreatitis.

Tasigna (nilotinib) can cause liver problems. More serious cases of liver problems happened more commonly in children compared to adults who were taking the medication. Your provider will monitor your liver health regularly through lab work while you’re taking Tasigna (nilotinib). Let your provider know if you experience tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dark urine, right-side stomach pain, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, as these can be signs of liver problems.

Tasigna (nilotinib) can cause new or worsening swelling in the arms or legs (peripheral edema), or fluid buildup in the heart or lungs. Some symptoms of fluid buildup include shortness of breath during rest or exercise, rapid weight gain, or swelling in your arms or legs. Let your provider know if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment.

In clinical studies, a small number of people taking Tasigna (nilotinib) experienced bleeding. These bleeding events were rarely serious, but a few were life threatening. Let your provider know if you notice bleeding or bruising that doesn’t stop or go away, a large amount of bleeding, changes in vision, or sudden headache or confusion. Your provider will decide if you need treatment for your bleeding.

Though rare, some people who previously failed other treatments developed a condition called tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) after starting Tasigna (nilotinib). This condition happens when many cancer cells die quickly and break down in your body. This causes a rapid release of the cells’ contents like uric acid and electrolytes. Large amounts of these contents in the blood can cause serious kidney damage and abnormal heart rhythms, which can be dangerous if not treated right away. Other risk factors include having a lot of cancerous cells (high tumor burden), dehydration, and a history of kidney damage. TLS typically occurs in the first week of starting treatment. Tell your provider right away if you experience any symptoms of TLS, such as urinating less than usual or have dark urine, muscle cramps, or a racing heartbeat.

A small number of children who’ve taken Tasigna (nilotinib) for more than 4 years have experienced a slower growth rate. The impact on growth rate was greater in children younger than 12 years old than in those who were older. Your child’s provider will monitor your child’s growth while they’re taking Tasigna (nilotinib).