Indication of Tasigna:
Tasigna (nilotinib) is used in the treatment of patients with a specific type of leukemina refered to as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph + CML).
Action of Tasigna:
In adult patients with Ph+ CML in chronic or accelerated phase who are no longer benefiting from previous treatments such as Glivec, a change in DNA (genetic material) in white blood cells triggers a signal that causes the cells to multiply abnormally. Tasigna is designed to block this signal, and thus stop the overproduction of these cells.
Dose Advice of Tasigna:
Tasigna should be dosed 400mg twice daily (take as two 200mg capsules at approximately every 12 hours). The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. This dosage may differ from what your doctor has prescribed Tasigna should always be taken exactly as instructed by the physician. Patients should check with their doctor or pharmacist if they have any questions.Tasigna should NOT be taken with food.No food should be consumed for at least 2 hours before the dose is taken and no food should be consumed for at least one hour after the dose is taken.The capsules should not be: broken before consumption.taken with grapefruit juice, grapefruit, or taken with supplements containing grapefruit.
Schedule of Tasigna:
Schedule 4
Common side effects of Tasigna:
All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor however some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Your Doctor would have considered these side effects before starting you on Tasigna.Your doctor will regularly monitor you for signs and symptoms of serious side effects. Side effects which have occured in greater than 1% of the population who have taken Tasigna are considered common.The most common side effects of Tasigna are: Low blood count Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain Swelling of hands, ankles, feet or face Other common side effects include rash, headache, itching, tiredness, diarrhoea, constipation, pain in joints or muscles.
Reference:
Novartis oncology. Tasigna international website: For health care practitioners outside the USA [homepage on the internet]. 2007 [cited 2007 Feb 20] Available from http: //www.tasigna.com/index.jspFood and Drugs Administration. M2 presswire. Coventry. 2007. Available from URL: http: //proquest.umi.com.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/pqdweb?did=1374896841&Fmt=3&clientId=22212&RQT=309&VName=PQD
