List of adverse effects of nilotinib

Nilotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used primarily in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Like all medications, nilotinib can cause a range of adverse effects, which can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of the known adverse effects associated with nilotinib, categorized by their frequency and severity.

Common Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects are those that occur in more than 1% of patients taking nilotinib. These include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Pruritus (itching)
• Rash
• Muscle cramps
• Joint pain
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Uncommon Adverse Effects

Uncommon adverse effects occur in less than 1% but more than 0.1% of patients. These can include:

• Elevated bilirubin levels
• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
• Pancreatitis
• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
• Electrolyte imbalance
• QT prolongation (a type of heart rhythm problem)

Rare Adverse Effects

Rare adverse effects are those that occur in less than 0.1% of patients. These can be severe and include:

• Tumor lysis syndrome
• Hepatic failure
• Interstitial lung disease
• Peripheral artery occlusive disease
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Stroke

Life-Threatening Adverse Effects

Some adverse effects of nilotinib can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• Severe hepatotoxicity
• Cardiac arrest
• Severe QT prolongation

Monitoring and Management

Patients receiving nilotinib should be closely monitored for the development of adverse effects. Monitoring may include regular blood tests to check liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell counts, as well as heart monitoring for signs of QT prolongation. Management of adverse effects may involve dose adjustment, temporary discontinuation of nilotinib, or switching to an alternative therapy.

Conclusion

While nilotinib is an effective treatment for CML, it is associated with a wide range of adverse effects. Patients and healthcare providers should work closely together to monitor for these effects and manage them appropriately.

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