In rare instances, some people taking treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), such as GLEEVEC® (imatinib mesylate) tablets, have difficulty staying on treatment due to bothersome side effects. (Click here for important GLEEVEC safety information and full Prescribing Information.) Patients who can no longer stay on treatment because the side effects are excessive or potentially damaging to their health are said to have drug intolerance.
Whether or not you have drug intolerance depends on the degree, severity, and duration of side effects. While many patients have side effects, not all side effects are a sign that your therapy should be changed. Some side effects can go away with time, can be managed with assistance from your doctor, or can be tolerated. But other side effects may be damaging to your health or may be so bothersome they prevent you from taking your treatment as prescribed.
It's very important that you talk to your doctor or nurse about any side effects you may be experiencing during TASIGNA® 150-mg or 200-mg capsules therapy. You should not change your dose of TASIGNA or stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.
Overview of Ph+ CML
QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG):
TASIGNA® (nilotinib) Indications
TASIGNA is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on major molecular response and cytogenetic response rates. The study is on-going and more data will be needed to determine long-term outcomes.
TASIGNA is also used to treat chronic phase or accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in adults who are no longer benefiting from previous other treatments, including imatinib (GLEEVEC), or have taken other treatments, including imatinib (GLEEVEC) but cannot tolerate them. The efficacy of TASIGNA is based on hematologic response and cytogenetic response rates.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TASIGNA® (nilotinib)
What is the most important information to know about prescription TASIGNA?
TASIGNA can cause a possible life-threatening heart problem called QT prolongation.
QT prolongation causes an irregular heartbeat, which may lead to sudden death.
Your doctor should check your heart with a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG):
You may lower your chances for having QT prolongation with TASIGNA if you:
Who should not take TASIGNA?
Do not take if you have:
Taking TASIGNA:
Before taking TASIGNA
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all other medication(s) you may be taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since they may affect how TASIGNA works and increase your chance of serious and life-threatening side effects.
Tell your doctor if:
Also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or lactose-intolerant. The TASIGNA capsules contain lactose. Most patients who have mild or moderate lactose intolerance can take TASIGNA.
Serious side effects
TASIGNA may cause serious side effects including:
Your doctor may do blood tests to check you for TLS
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor may change your dose. Your doctor may have you stop TASIGNA for some time or lower your dose if you have side effects with it.
Common side effects
Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include:
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any side effects during treatment with TASIGNA. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
It is not known if TASIGNA is safe or effective in children.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. TASIGNA may harm your unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment with TASIGNA. Talk to your doctor about the best birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while you are taking TASIGNA.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if TASIGNA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take TASIGNA or breast-feed. You should not do both.
If you take too much TASIGNA, call your doctor or poison control center right away.
Your doctor will check your heart, do regular blood tests, and take bone marrow samples during treatment with TASIGNA. These are done to check for side effects with TASIGNA and to see how well TASIGNA is working for you. Your doctor should check your blood to monitor the amount of blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets) during treatment. These should be checked every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter, or as considered necessary by your doctor.
Please see the full prescribing information including the Boxed WARNING, and the TASIGNA Medication Guide.