Nilotinib

Say it: nih-LOH-tih-nib · Brand names: Tasigna, Danziten

Nilotinib is a targeted pill that blocks the abnormal protein that drives chronic myeloid leukemia.

What it is

In chronic myeloid leukemia, two genes join to make an abnormal protein called BCR-ABL. It tells blood cells to grow out of control. Nilotinib blocks BCR-ABL more strongly than older pills.

Often used for

• chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with the Philadelphia chromosome, in adults and children

How you get it

It is taken by mouth twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Some forms must be taken on an empty stomach, with no food for 2 hours before and 1 hour after. Ask your team which form you have. Your schedule may be different.

Common side effects and what helps

• Rash or itching. Use gentle soap and moisturizer.
• Headache. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
• Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
• Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
• Muscle or joint pain. Stretch gently and drink fluids.
• Constipation or diarrhea. Drink plenty of fluids.
• Low blood counts, found on blood tests. Your team will check them.

Call your care team right away if you have

• A fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat, or feeling like you might faint
• Chest pain, leg pain when walking, or numbness or weakness on one side
• Bad belly pain that may spread to your back
• A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher, chills, or other signs of infection
• Bleeding that will not stop, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly

Before you start, tell your team

• If you have heart problems, including a long QT or irregular heartbeat
• If you have low potassium or magnesium
• If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or pancreas problems
• If you have had stomach surgery
• If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take, since some can change how this medicine works

Good to know

• This medicine has a serious warning: it can change your heart rhythm, which can be dangerous. You will have ECGs (heart tracings) before and during treatment.
• Taking it with food, when your form says not to, can raise levels and the heart risk.
• It can raise the risk of blocked blood vessels in the heart, brain, or legs. Your team will check your cholesterol and blood sugar.
• You will have blood tests for blood counts, salts like potassium and magnesium, liver, and pancreas.

At home

• Follow your team's food rule for your form exactly.
• Swallow the capsules or pills whole with water.
• If you miss a dose or throw up after a dose, ask your team what to do. Do not take an extra dose on your own.
• Store the pills at room temperature in their original container, away from children and pets.
• Wash your hands after touching the pills. Ask your team if others in your home should take special care.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, since it can raise the amount of medicine in your blood.

Questions to ask

• Which form do I have, and how should I time it with food?
• How long will I take this medicine?
• How often will I have blood tests to check how well it is working?
• Are any of my other medicines, foods, or supplements a problem with this medicine?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?

Side effect guides

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
• Pain

Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.