Tasigna (nilotinib)

Tasigna is a prescription medicine containing nilotinib, a targeted therapy used for certain cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It is taken by mouth and requires careful timing around food and other medicines. This page summarizes practical basics so key details are easier to review.

What Tasigna Is and How It Works

This medicine is available through a referral model that supports Ships from Canada to US access for eligible patients paying cash-pay without insurance. It is not a general-purpose chemotherapy, and it is only used for specific blood cancers where a targeted approach is appropriate. Because it is prescription-only, a clinician’s diagnosis and treatment plan remain the foundation for safe use.

Nilotinib belongs to a group called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (targeted cancer therapies). In many cases of CML, leukemia cells are driven by an abnormal signaling protein made by the BCR-ABL gene fusion (often linked to the Philadelphia chromosome). Nilotinib works by blocking that signaling, which can slow the growth of those cancer cells. This mechanism is why testing for the cancer’s specific features matters before starting therapy.

For background on how this drug class is used, see the site guide Nilotinib Uses And Precautions. That resource explains the condition context and common precautions in plain language.

Orders are filled by licensed Canadian partner pharmacies.

Who It’s For

Nilotinib is used for certain people with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It is commonly used when the leukemia is BCR-ABL–positive (meaning the disease has a specific abnormal signal that a TKI can target). Treatment decisions also depend on disease phase, prior therapies, and lab results, which is why clinicians often review test history before selecting a TKI.

In practice, Tasigna may be prescribed for newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase, or for people whose CML did not respond well to another TKI or could not be tolerated. Some patients may have other medical conditions that affect whether nilotinib is a good fit, including heart rhythm concerns, electrolyte abnormalities, or significant liver problems. Pregnancy planning and breastfeeding are also important to discuss, because targeted cancer medicines can pose fetal or infant risks.

Why it matters: Correct diagnosis and phase classification can change which CML treatments are considered.

To explore related listings and condition-focused options on the site, browse the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Hub, which organizes products and educational resources by condition.

Dosage and Usage

Nilotinib is typically taken on a set schedule, and many regimens use twice-daily dosing spaced about 12 hours apart. A key instruction on the label is timing around meals, because food can increase absorption and raise blood levels. For that reason, prescribers often emphasize consistent fasting windows and avoiding unplanned snacks close to each dose.

Tasigna is swallowed as directed, and capsules should not be crushed or chewed unless a clinician provides specific instructions. If a dose is missed, the official labeling generally discourages “doubling up” to catch up, since that can increase side-effect risk. Because dosing can vary by indication, age, and lab values, the prescriber and dispensing pharmacy are the right sources for the exact schedule and any dose adjustments.

For a deeper, label-focused walkthrough, the article Prescribing Information Summary is a helpful companion when reviewing instructions with a care team.

Why it matters: Taking nilotinib with food can increase exposure and worsen safety risks.

Strengths and Forms

Tasigna is supplied as oral capsules rather than a tablet, which can be a point of confusion when people search for “nilotinib tablet” or similar phrasing. The medication is commonly dispensed in 150 mg and 200 mg capsule strengths, and the prescribed total daily dose is built from one or more capsules per dose. Availability can vary by pharmacy, country, and current supply.

When reviewing a prescription or medication list, it helps to note both the brand and the generic name (nilotinib). This reduces mix-ups with other TKIs used for CML and supports safer coordination with other treatments. It can also help when comparing capsule strengths across refills, since packaging may change while the active ingredient remains the same.

If questions come up about naming and substitutions, the site’s education library in the Cancer Articles Category includes explainers that clarify common terminology.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store nilotinib capsules at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging until use, and store it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use capsules past the expiration date, and avoid transferring them into unmarked containers that can increase the risk of dosing errors.

For travel, keep the medication in a carry-on bag when possible and bring a copy of the prescription label or a current medication list. This can help with security screening and supports continuity if a dose is delayed. If travel involves temperature extremes, ask the dispensing pharmacy how to protect capsules during transit without exposing them to humidity.

Quick tip: Keep the clinic’s after-hours number with your medication list.

Side Effects and Safety

Like many targeted cancer therapies, nilotinib can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Commonly reported issues may include nausea, diarrhea or constipation, headache, fatigue, rash, and itching. Changes in blood tests are also possible, such as shifts in liver enzymes, bilirubin, blood sugar, or pancreatic enzymes. Blood counts can drop as well, which may raise infection or bleeding risk.

Tasigna also carries important safety warnings related to heart rhythm changes, including QT prolongation (a change in the heart’s electrical timing). Prescribers may order ECGs and lab checks for potassium and magnesium before and during therapy. Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as fainting, severe dizziness, chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Severe swelling, weakness on one side, or sudden vision or speech changes also warrant emergency evaluation.

Prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

For practical context on recognizing and tracking reactions, see Side Effects And Warnings. It summarizes which symptoms are commonly monitored and why clinicians may order follow-up testing.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Nilotinib is processed in the body through pathways that many other medicines also affect, especially CYP3A4 (a drug-metabolizing enzyme). Some antibiotics, antifungals, HIV medicines, and seizure drugs can raise or lower nilotinib levels. Certain heart medications and other products that prolong the QT interval can also increase risk when combined. Because interactions can involve both prescriptions and over-the-counter products, a complete medication list matters.

Food and supplements can interact too. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase nilotinib exposure, and St. John’s wort can reduce levels, which may affect treatment control. Acid-reducing therapy (such as certain antacids or reflux medicines) may require specific timing or selection to avoid absorption problems. For safety, prescribers and pharmacists should review all vitamins, herbals, and “pre-workout” or weight-loss supplements before they are used alongside a TKI.

Compare With Alternatives

CML is often treated with a TKI, but there are several options, and they are not interchangeable for every patient. Alternatives may include imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and asciminib. Choice is usually based on disease features (including mutation testing when relevant), side-effect profiles, heart and vascular history, other medications, and prior response.

When comparing Tasigna to other TKIs, it can help to focus on practical differences that affect day-to-day use, such as meal timing requirements, monitoring plans, and interaction risk. If a prescriber is considering a switch, they may review ECG history, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, and liver function, since these factors can influence safety and follow-up needs.

Related product listings for reference include the Dasatinib Product Page and Bosulif Product Page.

Pricing and Access

For many people, Tasigna pricing is influenced by whether brand or generic is dispensed, the capsule strength, the total quantity, and how refills are structured. Additional expenses can include routine monitoring (ECGs and labs) ordered by the treating clinic. If coverage is not being used, discussing a cash-pay approach with the prescriber’s office can help set expectations for ongoing medication access.

BorderFreeHealth supports cross-border access using US delivery from Canada by coordinating with partner pharmacies and confirming required documentation. Cash-pay access is available when insurance is not used.

For a non-promotional breakdown of what can affect out-of-pocket totals, read Cost Factors Overview. The site also maintains a Promotions Page where eligibility-based programs may be listed.

To explore other oncology medicines on the platform, browse the Cancer Medications Category, which groups prescription options by therapeutic area.

Authoritative Sources

Official labeling and regulator-backed references are the best sources for dosing details, boxed warnings, and monitoring recommendations. They can also help reconcile differences between brand and generic naming, and they provide the most reliable guidance when a new medicine is added to an existing regimen.

The following links are useful starting points for clinicians and patients reviewing nilotinib safety information and medication guides:

• For U.S. labeling details, see FDA Drug Labels Database.
• For patient-friendly counseling information, see MedlinePlus Nilotinib Information.

If you choose to place a request through the site, submit prescription details to arrange prompt, express shipping.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.