Tasigna Medication: Usage, Warnings and Side Effects 

In general, Tasigna medication helps treat some types of cancers. It works by stopping proteins that make cancer cells grow. Doctors mainly give this medicine for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a kind of blood cancer. Tasigna looks like small pills and is taken by mouth. Let’s take a peek into the discussion!

What Is Tasigna Medication?

Tasigna  is a brand of Nilotinib, a medication used to treat specific types of blood cancer, specifically chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). It’s allowed for use in grown-ups and kids aged 1 year or more who have a particular type of leukemia called Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Ph+ CML is a type of cancer that grows in the cells of human bone marrow. This type of cancer occurs due to a change in a gene named BCR-ABL, which results in the creation of the Philadelphia chromosome.

How to Use Tasigna Properly?

Patients suffering from a specific kind of cancer may get treatment using Tasigna. Hence, it’s crucial to follow the steps and precautions below for proper consumption.

1. Read the Tasigna Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting or refilling your nilotinib prescription.

2. Swallow the capsule whole with water, on an empty stomach, twice daily, around 12 hours apart, as advised by your doctor. 

3. Don’t break, chew, or open the capsules. It means you should wait at least 2 hours before eating or 1 hour after taking your Tasigna dose. If needed, sprinkle the capsule content into 1 teaspoon of apple sauce and consume within 15 minutes, avoiding mixing with other foods.

4. Avoid consuming grapefruit or its juice while on Tasigna, unless otherwise advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Ensure adequate hydration unless advised otherwise.

5. If using an antacid, take it 2 hours before or after taking nilotinib. For H2 blockers, take them either 10 hours before or 2 hours after taking nilotinib.

6. Your dosage is determined by various factors. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you consume at any time. Further, children’s dosage depends on body size.

7. Never exceed the prescribed dose or take Tasigna more frequently than instructed. Doing so won’t hasten recovery and can increase the risk of severe side effects.

8. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should avoid handling medication or inhaling capsule content, as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs.

Warnings 

Tasigna medication rarely can cause severe irregular heartbeats that may be life-threatening. However, people with low levels of certain minerals in their blood or a specific heart condition shouldn’t use this medicine. Otherwise, to reduce the risk, your doctor will order specific blood tests before and during your treatment with nilotinib.

Additionally, before starting nilotinib, you’ll need a heart test (EKG), which should be repeated after your first dose. To lower the chance of this side effect, avoid eating for 2 hours before or 1 hour after taking your dose.

Other medications and foods may also raise the risk of irregular heartbeats. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you consume or treatments you undergo. Keep a comprehensive list of all your medications and share them with your doctor and pharmacist.

Tagsina’s Impact on the Body

The active ingredient in Tasigna medication works by obstructing proteins called tyrosine kinases that help cancer cells grow. It falls under a group of medicines termed Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs).

It operates by halting signals produced by irregular blood proteins responsible for generating leukemia cells. The action of blocking these signals might prevent cancer from spreading and might encourage the growth of healthier blood cells, as detailed on Novartis’ Tasigna website.

Tasigna Dosage Consumption

In adults who are newly diagnosed with chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, the initial dose is 300 mg taken twice a day. Meanwhile, for adults who haven’t responded well to previous treatments, the recommended dose is 400 mg taken twice daily.

In addition, for children, the suggested dose is calculated based on their body surface area. For instance, they can use it in a dose of 230 mg/m2 taken twice a day, rounded to the closest 50 mg dose. The maximum single dose for children is 400 mg.

Generally, patients should take the Tasigna medication with water twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, on an empty stomach. They should refrain from eating anything for at least two hours before and one hour after each dose.

Side Effects of Tasigna in Adults 

Commonly, the possible side effects of Tasigna that happen in adults include the following signs:

• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• tired;
• itching or skin rash;
• muscle and joint pain;
• increased risk of infection; and
• heart-related issues.

Side Effects of Tasigna in Children 

In clinical trials, Tasigna’s side effects in children were mostly similar to those observed in adults. However, kids taking Tasigna had the following side effects more frequently compared to adults.

1. Higher levels of bilirubin, which might cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

2. Elevated levels of certain liver enzymes (types of proteins).

Additionally, some children experienced slower growth while taking Tasigna. This means they didn’t reach the typical height for their age group as other children not using Tasigna did. In one study, 12% of children taking Tasigna experienced a delay in their growth. Yet the long-term consequences of this slowed growth are not currently known.

How to Manage Potential Side Effects?

When taking Tasigna medication, side effects can differ from person to person. Thus, it’s important to discuss any side effects you encounter with your doctor. Learn about a few important points to remember below!

1. Open up About Side Effects

Your doctor can only provide helpful tips for handling side effects if you share them.

2. Consult Your Doctor Before Making Changes

Even if you come across suggestions online or from others facing similar conditions, always talk to your doctor before altering your daily routine.

3. Keep a Record of Side Effects

Writing down any side effects you experience, along with the date and time, can be beneficial.

Consult With A Medical Doctor for Safety Tasigna Medication!

Always remember, when it comes to your health and safety while taking Tasigna, consulting with a medical doctor is crucial. Your doctor knows your medical history and can guide you on the safest ways to use Tasigna and manage any potential side effects.

Thus, never hesitate to share any concerns or questions you may have about Tasigna medication with your doctor. Their expertise and advice will ensure that you receive the best possible care and stay safe throughout your treatment journey.