Tasigna Medication Information: Types, Potencies, Usage Instructions, and Additional Details
Tasigna is a brand-name prescription medication, approved by the FDA, designed to treat certain forms of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults and children aged 1 year and older. This oral capsule contains the active drug nilotinib, which belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The standard dose of Tasigna varies depending on the condition it's treating and the individual patient's circumstances. For instance, the recommended dosage for adults who are newly diagnosed with Ph+ CML is 300 mg twice per day, while for Ph+ CML that has been treated before, the recommended dosage is 400 mg twice per day.
For children, the dosage is calculated based on their body surface area, with 230 mg per square meter (m) taken twice daily, rounded to the nearest 50 mg dose up to a maximum of 400 mg.
It's important to note that other medical conditions, such as hepatic problems, can affect the prescribed Tasigna dosage. Additionally, certain medications taken concurrently with Tasigna may require a dosage adjustment.
In terms of administration, Tasigna should be taken on an empty stomach. If swallowing capsules is difficult, the medication can be mixed with applesauce. However, it's crucial not to crush or chew the capsule.
Missing a dose of Tasigna should be handled carefully. It should be skipped, and the next dose should be taken at the scheduled time. Taking an extra dose to make up for a missed dose may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Tasigna is suitable for treating Ph+ CML in the chronic phase or accelerated phase, either as a new treatment or when past treatments with imatinib (Gleevec) did not work or caused side effects that led to treatment discontinuation.
While Tasigna offers significant benefits for many patients, it's not without potential risks. Common side effects of long-term use of Tasigna in adults with CML include serious cardiovascular risks such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots, severe atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), carotid artery disease and stenosis, angina, and risk of limb amputation.
Other serious side effects include blood disorders and increased risk of vascular complications, especially in patients with pre-existing vascular risk factors. Nilotinib is also associated with QT interval prolongation, which can cause serious heart rhythm problems.
Long-term monitoring of cardiovascular health, liver function, and other potential side effects is crucial for patients on nilotinib therapy. If serious vascular events occur, switching to an alternative tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) may be considered.
It's essential to remember that Tasigna should not be taken more than prescribed by a doctor. If a person takes more than the recommended amount of Tasigna, they should call their doctor immediately or contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
Finally, it's worth noting that Tasigna is not available in a generic form at this time. As with any medication, patients should discuss the benefits and risks of Tasigna with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision about treatment.
- Tasigna, a pharmacy medication approved by the FDA, is primarily used for treating certain forms of cancer, specifically Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults and children aged 1 year and older.
- In oncology, the standard dosage of Tasigna for adults who are newly diagnosed with Ph+ CML is 300 mg twice per day, whereas for Ph+ CML that has been treated before, the recommended dosage is 400 mg twice per day.
- For children, the dosage is determined by their body surface area, with 230 mg per square meter (m) taken twice daily, rounded to the nearest 50 mg dose up to a maximum of 400 mg.
- Besides affecting the prescribed Tasigna dosage, other medical conditions like hepatic problems and certain medications taken concurrently with Tasigna may require a dosage adjustment.
- While Tasigna offers significant benefits for many patients, it's not without potential risks, including serious cardiovascular risks and blood disorders, emphasizing the need for long-term medical-condition monitoring and careful adherence to prescribed dosages.
