Tasigna

What is Tasigna?

Tasigna is a cancer treatment that blocks the spread and growth of cancerous cells within the body. Tasigna is a treatment for a blood cancer known as Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in adults and children at least one year old. Tasigna is typically prescribed after other drugs have not worked.

Warnings

You shouldn't make use of Tasigna when you suffer from long QT syndrome or if you have low blood levels of magnesium or potassium. Tasigna could cause serious heart issues, especially when you take other medications simultaneously. Tell your doctor about any other medications you take. The function of your heart may require a check prior to and during treatment with this medication. Get in touch with your doctor immediately or seek medical assistance in an emergency in the event of rapid heartbeats, as well as sudden dizziness (like the possibility of passing out). It is recommended to take Tasigna on an empty stomach. Do not eat anything for at least 2 hours prior to and for 1 hour after taking the dose.

Before you start taking this medicine

It is not recommended to use Tasigna if you are allergic to nilotinib. Also, you suffer from:

• Lower levels in the blood of magnesium, potassium, or

• A heart rhythm disorder referred to as long QT syndrome.

To ensure that Tasigna is safe for you, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• Heart disease, heartbeat issues, as well as Long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• A stroke;

• Problems with blood circulation in your legs.

• Bleeding issues;

• Lower levels in the blood of magnesium or potassium

• Serious problems caused by problems with lactose (milk sugar);

• Liver disease;

• Pancreatitis •

• The surgical procedure of removing your stomach (total gastric surgery).

It is possible that you will need to take an unfavourable pregnancy test prior to beginning this treatment. Do not take Tasigna if you are expecting. It could harm the unborn baby. Utilise effective birth control to stop pregnancy while using this medication and for a minimum of 14 days following the last dose. Avoid breastfeeding during the time you take Tasigna and for a minimum of 14 days following the last dose.

How to take Tasigna?

Tasigna is typically used every twelve hours. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in greater or lesser quantities or for a longer time than prescribed. It is recommended to take Tasigna with a full stomach. Don't take this medication with food. Food can increase the levels of nilotinib in your blood. It can also cause adverse side effects. Don't eat food for a minimum of two hours prior to and for one hour after taking Tasigna. Consume this medicine with at least a glass of fluid. Inhale the capsule completely.

If you're unable to take the whole capsule, break the capsule open and pour the medicine into no more than 1 teaspoon of applesauce. Take it in right away, without chewing. Do not store the mixture to use at a later time. Tasigna is a medication that should be used in the long run. It is not recommended to stop taking the medication unless your physician advises you to. Tasigna reduces blood cells, which help fight illnesses. Your blood must be checked frequently. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the outcomes of the tests.

Nilotinib may cause serious heart issues. Your heart function could be monitored with an electrocardiograph, also known as an ECG (sometimes known as an EKG), prior to and during treatment with this medication. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.Check all information about your patient, such as medication guides and instruction sheets you are given. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about any additional concerns.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia:

Recently diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML-CP) Phase (Ph+ CML-CP): 300 mg every day, taken orally.

Intolerant or resistant Ph+ CML-CP as well as chronic myeloid leukaemia that is in the accelerated phase (CML-AP): 400 mg twice orally every day

Comments:

Doses should be administered for around 12 hours between each dose.

The drug is available in conjunction with hematopoietic development factors (e.g., the erythropoietin hormone and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)) as well as hydroxyurea or anagrelide when indicated clinically.

Uses:

For the care of those recently discovered Ph+ CML-CP

For treating patients suffering from chronic phase and accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous lymphoma (Phand CML) not responding to previous therapies, which included imatinib,

Usual Paediatric Dose for Chronic Myelogenous Leukaemia:

1 year or more 1 year or older: 230 mg/m2 taken orally every day, twice

Round to the closest 50 mg dose.

Maximum dose: 400 mg/dose

Dosing based on BSA:

BSA up to 0.32 M2 (50 mg) taken in a single dose twice daily

--BSA 0.33 up to 0.54 m2 100 mg, taken daily orally.

BSA 0.55 to 0.76 M2 150 mg, taken orally two times every day.

BSA: 0.77 to 0.97 mg, orally twice a day.

BSA 0.98 to 1.19 2 m2 250 mg taken orally twice every day

BSA 1.2 1.41 to 1.41 m2 300 mg taken in a single dose twice daily

BSA 1.42 up to 1.63 m2 (350 mg) taken in a single dose twice daily

-BSA of at least 1.64 m2 and 400 mg in a single dose twice daily.

Comments:

Doses should be administered approximately 12 hours after each other.

The treatment should continue to the extent that it is proven to be beneficial clinically or until toxicity is unacceptable.

This drug is available together with hematopoietic growth factors (e.g., the erythropoietin hormone G-CSF, erythropoietin) as well as hydroxyurea or anagrelide, if indicated by a clinical study.

Uses:

For treating patients recently discovered to have Ph+ CML-CP

to treat patients with the chronic phase or the accelerated phase of Ph+ CML who have been intolerant or resistant to previous treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Do not take your missed dose if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Don't take any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

The symptoms of an overdose can include vomiting and drowsiness.

Avoid this

Grapefruit juice and grapefruit can react with nilotinib and cause adverse side effects. Beware of using products containing grapefruit when taking Tasigna.

Do not take a stomach acid reducer (such as Pepcid, Tagamet, or Zantac) within 10 hours prior to or two hours after the time you took Tasigna.

Beware of taking an antacid that has magnesium, aluminium, or simethicone (such as Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, or Rolaids) within 2 hours prior to or 2 hours after taking Tasigna.

Nilotinib is a drug that can be absorbed into body fluids (urine, faeces, or vomiting). Careers should wear gloves made of rubber when cleaning a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry, or changing diapers. Clean hands prior to and after taking off gloves. Cleanse linens and clothing that have been soiled apart from the rest of the laundry.

Side effects of Tasigna:

Get immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergy reaction, Tasigna symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue Get in touch with your doctor now or seek medical emergency assistance if you are experiencing signs of a serious heart issue: fast or pounding heartbeats or sudden dizziness (like you may pass out).

See your doctor right away. If you are suffering from:

• Bleeding that is unusual (bruises bleeding, blood in your urine or stool);

• swelling in the abdomen, rapid weight gain, and feeling tired;

• Bleeding within the brain can cause sudden headaches and confusion, as well as vision problems and dizziness.

• Indications of pancreas or liver problems stomach discomfort (that could be aggravated by back pain) nausea or vomiting or jaundice; dark urine (yellowing of the eyes or skin);

• Lower blood-cell counts (fever, chills, mouth sores, night sweats) thin skin and unusual weakening

• Symptoms of reduced blood flow could be leg pain, chest pain, or numbness. Trouble talking, walking, or

• Symptoms of a tumour cell's breakdown, such as weakness, confusion, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, a rapid or slow heart rate, less frequent urine output, and tingling sensations in your feet, hands, and around the mouth.

Nilotinib may affect growth in children and teens. Inform your doctor if your child's growth isn't at a regular rate when taking this medicine.

Common Tasigna adverse effects could include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and  constipation;

• Hair loss, rash, and temporary

• Night sweats at night;

• The pain you feel in your spine, joints, muscles, or bones;

• Tired, or headache fatigue, headaches

• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Sometimes it's not recommended to take certain drugs at the same time as other medications. Some drugs can alter the blood levels and the other medications that you take, which can cause more side effects or make the drugs less effective. Tasigna could cause serious heart issues. Your risk may be increased if you use other medicines to treat asthma and heart conditions, high blood pressure, depression or mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV. Numerous drugs may interact with the drug nilotinib. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins, herbals, and other products. None of the possible interactions are mentioned in this article. Tell your doctor about your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.