Nilotinib Oral Capsule
Text SUPPORT1 to 21825 to learn if you may be eligible for financial support with your medication(s).
Msg & Data Rates May Apply. Msg freq varies. Terms apply. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to end.
Nilotinib Oral Capsule
What is this medicine?
NILOTINIB (nil OT i nib) is a medicine that targets proteins in cancer cells and stops the cells from growing. It is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food or with grapefruit juice. Take H2-blockers at least 10 hours before or 2 hours after this medicine. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours of taking this medicine. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. If you cannot swallow the capsules whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents of each capsule in 1 teaspoon of applesauce. Immediately swallow the mixture. Do not store for future use.
Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
chest pain or palpitations
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
dizziness or fainting
fast, irregular heartbeat
fever or chills, sore throat
light-colored stools
pain, swelling, warmth in the leg
signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark-brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eye, gums, or nose
signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
unusually weak
weight gain
yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
diarrhea
headache
loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting
muscle aches
stomach pain
trouble sleeping
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
cisapride
dronedarone
flibanserin
fluconazole
lomitapide
pimozide
posaconazole
saquinavir
thioridazine
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antacids
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
dexamethasone
dofetilide
grapefruit or grapefruit juice
medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, famotidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole
medicines for sleep
mifepristone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)
propoxyphene
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
St. John's Wort
tamoxifen
warfarin
zafirlukast
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, do not make up the missing dose. Take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
circulation problems in legs
diabetes
heart disease
history of irregular heartbeat
history of pancreatitis
history of surgery
liver disease
long QT syndrome
low magnesium or potassium levels in the body
total gastrectomy
an unusual or allergic reaction to nilotinib, lactose, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood tests while on this medicine. Report any new symptoms promptly. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.
This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.
Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 14 days after. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 14 days after the last dose.
Updated:  
November 22, 2020