Nilotinib
Nilotinib is a kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, sold here as Tasigna capsules in 150mg and 200mg strengths taken twice a day.
Where nilotinib fits in CML treatment
Nilotinib is used for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) that carries the Philadelphia chromosome, a genetic change found in the leukaemia cells. That change produces an abnormal protein, BCR-ABL, which keeps certain white blood cells dividing. Nilotinib is a kinase inhibitor: it blocks the protein's signal, and the number of leukaemic cells in the blood and bone marrow falls. It is given as a first treatment and to people whose earlier kinase inhibitor has not worked well enough. Progress shows in blood counts and chromosome tests, not in how you feel.
How the capsules are taken
Capsules are swallowed whole with water, twice a day, about 12 hours apart, at roughly the same times each morning and evening. The capsule goes on an empty stomach: nothing to eat for at least two hours before it and one hour after. If whole capsules are hard to swallow, the contents of one can be stirred into a teaspoon of apple sauce and taken straight away, within 15 minutes; the mixture is not kept for later. Because nilotinib works on the leukaemia rather than on symptoms, it is taken day after day even when you feel perfectly well.
Side effects, including the heart rhythm
Headache, tiredness, nausea, rash, itching, constipation and aching muscles or joints are the complaints that come up most, and many of them ease off after the first weeks. Blood counts, liver enzymes, blood sugar and blood fats are checked regularly, because nilotinib can change them.
Nilotinib can also alter the heart's electrical signal: it may prolong the QT interval, which in some people leads to a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat, fainting, a seizure or loss of consciousness. Any of those needs urgent treatment. Swollen ankles, new breathlessness, or bruising and bleeding with no clear cause are other signs that need prompt attention.
Medicines and foods that change nilotinib levels
The liver breaks nilotinib down using an enzyme called CYP3A4, and other medicines that use the same route can push its level up or down. St John's wort and proton-pump inhibitors such as omeprazole reduce how much is absorbed. Antacids containing magnesium, aluminium or simethicone need a two-hour gap before or after the capsule; heartburn medicines such as famotidine, cimetidine, nizatidine and ranitidine need at least 10 hours before or 2 hours after. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interfere with the same enzyme and are best left out while treatment continues.
Tasigna capsules: the nilotinib listing here
Tasigna is the only nilotinib product here, in the oncology range. The capsules come in 150mg and 200mg and follow the same twice-daily routine. A dose is usually two capsules of the same strength.
Sources
- Nilotinib: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) - Cancer Research UK — Cancer Research UK
Where can I buy Nilotinib in Hong Kong?
Nilotinib can be ordered online with delivery to Hong Kong. The product shown is generic Tasigna capsules in 150mg and 200mg. An order can be cancelled within 24 hours if it has not been dispatched, and support answers 24/7 in English and Cantonese.
How much do Nilotinib products cost in Hong Kong?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Tasigna page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Can I buy generic Tasigna in Hong Kong?
Yes, generic Tasigna is listed as 150mg and 200mg capsules and contains nilotinib. No plain nilotinib capsules or other named versions are shown on this page, so generic Tasigna is the nilotinib option here.
What are the brand names for nilotinib?
Tasigna is a brand name of nilotinib. Here, nilotinib can be bought online as generic Tasigna. These are generics, not the original brand.
Can nilotinib be taken with food?
Not with the capsules. Eat nothing for at least two hours before a capsule and wait one hour afterwards, for both the morning and the evening dose. Nilotinib also comes as tablets and as tablets that dissolve on the tongue, which have no food restriction, but those are not sold here.
Is Tasigna the same as nilotinib?
Yes. Nilotinib is the active ingredient and Tasigna is the brand name it is sold under. The Tasigna listing here is capsules in 150mg and 200mg, and it is the only nilotinib product on the site.
Why are blood tests needed with nilotinib?
Nilotinib can lower blood cell counts, raise liver enzymes and push up blood sugar and blood fats, so regular tests track those changes. Potassium and magnesium are measured too, because low levels make a heart rhythm change more likely.
How is nilotinib different from imatinib?
Imatinib is another kinase inhibitor for chronic myeloid leukaemia, but a different molecule. Nilotinib capsules are taken twice a day on an empty stomach, imatinib usually once a day. Nilotinib is also used for people whose imatinib has not worked well enough or has not been tolerated.
How long is nilotinib taken for?
Plan on long-term treatment. Nilotinib holds the leukaemia in check only while it is being taken, and repeated blood counts and chromosome tests show whether treatment continues.