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BCR-ABL tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (2nd gen)

Nilotinib (Specialist drug)

Brand names: Tasigna

Nilotinib is an oral specialist BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in haemato-oncology for chronic myeloid leukaemia, both newly diagnosed and after intolerance or resistance to prior therapy.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits the BCR-ABL fusion tyrosine kinase that drives chronic myeloid leukaemia, blocking the aberrant signalling responsible for malignant cell proliferation.

Prescribing in practice

  • It carries a boxed risk of QT-interval prolongation and sudden death, so correct electrolytes beforehand, perform ECG monitoring and avoid concurrent QT-prolonging or strong CYP3A4-interacting drugs.
  • It must be taken on an empty stomach because food substantially increases absorption and exposure, separating doses from food as directed in the SPC.
  • It is associated with vascular occlusive events, pancreatitis, hepatotoxicity and metabolic disturbance such as hyperglycaemia.

Monitoring

Monitor ECG and electrolytes, full blood count, lipase, liver function, blood glucose and lipids, with vigilance for cardiovascular events.

Counselling the patient

  • Take on an empty stomach, avoiding food for the periods specified, and avoid grapefruit.
  • Report fainting, palpitations, severe abdominal pain or leg pain promptly.
  • Do not start new medicines without checking, as many interact.

Evidence & guidelines

Nilotinib is a NICE-recommended option for chronic myeloid leukaemia and is used within established haemato-oncology monitoring protocols.

Reference: NICE TA251; SmPC; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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