• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

NILOTINIB (nil OT i nib) is a chemotherapy drug. It targets a specific protein within cancer cells and stops the cells from growing. This medicine is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• heart disease
• history of pancreatitis
• immune system problems
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• low magnesium or potassium levels in the body
• QT prolongation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to nilotinib, lactose, gelatin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

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. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. 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. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine
• astemizole
• bupivacaine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• cyclobenzaprine
• disopyramide
• droperidol
• flecainide
• grapefruit or grapefruit juice
• halofantrine
• haloperidol
• maprotiline
• methadone
• perphenazine
• pimozide
• quinidine
• ranolazine
• risperidone
• sunitinib
• tacrolimus
• terfenadine
• thioridazine
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
• dexamethasone
• medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole
• medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
• medicines for sleep
• mifepristone
• propoxyphene
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• rifapentine
• St. John's Wort
• tamoxifen
• warfarin
• zafirlukast

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.