nilotinib, a miscellaneous antineoplastic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used to treat chronic- and accelerated-phase Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myelogenous leukemia that is resistant to or intolerant of imatinib. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and QT prolongation prohibit its use. This drug should not be used simultaneously with grapefruit products. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, flushing, paresthesia, palpitations, constipation, diarrhea, alopecia, erythemia, hyperamylasemia, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, diaphoresis, arthralgia, myalgia, back and bone pain, muscle cramps, cough, and dyspnea. Life-threatening side effects include QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, hepatotoxicity, vomiting, dyspepsia, pancreatitis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, pancytopenia, and bleeding. Common side effects include nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain, and rash.
