Saturday, January 12, 2013

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Tasigna Oral Uses and How to Use


IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Table of Contents

Generic Name: NILOTINIB - ORAL
Pronounced: (nye-LOE-ti-nib)

Tasigna Oral Uses

Nilotinib is used to treat a certain type of blood cancer (chronic myelogenous leukemia-CML). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How To Use Tasigna Oral

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using nilotinib and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, usually twice daily about 12 hours apart or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not open, break, or chew the capsules. Do not eat any food for at least 2 hours before or for 1 hour after taking your dose. Taking this medication with food can increase the amount of drug in your body and increase the risk of serious side effects. If unable to swallow the capsules, the capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled in 1 teaspoon of applesauce. This mixture should be swallowed right away (within 15 minutes). Use only 1 teaspoon of applesauce. Do not sprinkle the contents onto other types of food.

Drink plenty of fluids during treatment with this medication, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you are taking antacids or acid blockers (such as cimetidine), take nilotinib 2 to 3 hours before or after these medicines.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and certain other drugs you may be taking. Your doctor will order blood tests to adjust the dose.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the contents of the capsules.


CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised December 2011 Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank, Inc.