Can Tasigna be continued to treat CML despite showing some side effects?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with CML PH+ and have been taking a medicine called Tasigna for the past few months. However, I have been suffering from various side effects, such as pain in my bones, headache, and skin rash. Recently, all of these symptoms have become more severe, especially the skin rash, as it seems to be appearing in more areas of my body and has become more apparent. Also, I have noticed my body hair becoming different. Some of the hair looks as if they have some kind of a white shell around it. Should I continue taking the medicine or switch to another medicine?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

Tasigna (Nilotinib) is an excellent drug available for the treatment of CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) and is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The mentioned side effects are because of this drug. This drug should not be stopped unless serious side effects occur. The dose can be adjusted for you if needed. The hematological and hepatic profiles should be checked regularly while on this medication.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.