Introduction
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia is a type of cancer that occurs when bone marrow produces too many leucocytes (white blood cells) . This over production of leucocytes occurs when they grow uncontrollably by overcoming the cell regulation cycle. Cells not undergoing the regulation cycle continue to divide without dying ,causing an overcrowding of cells, hence, forming a tumour in bone marrow. The tumour can become an even more serious issue when the cancer cells from a tumour spreads to other tissues in the body(metastasis) (1). Novartis Oncology (a Novartis International AG company) is the producer and developer of nilotinib, which is a treatment option for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). Nilotinib is available by prescription under the brand name Tasigna® (2). Nilotinib is a Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, which inhibits the BCR-ABL protein tyrosine …show more content…
Nilotinib could be a risk in patients who already have heart complications as it is known to cause heart problems such as angina and palpitation (39). The causes of side effects in nilotinib are not yet fully understood but it is believed that because nilotinib acts on bone cells to suppress tumour growth, bone pain and fatigue arise from the lack of bone cells (40). The drug could be ineffective in patients who already have heart, liver and kidney problems (41). Nilotinib should not be taken by women who are pregnant and lactacting as it is known that nilotinib cases human fetal malformations or even irreversible damage. Children under the age of 18 years of age are also at risk if they take nilotinib (42). Nilotinib is known to interact with many drugs, such as CoA reductase inhibitors and even certain types of food, such as liquorice and grapefruit so patients have to take nilotinib on an empty stomach. So patients would have to fast 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking the medicine
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia is a type of cancer that occurs when bone marrow produces too many leucocytes (white blood cells) . This over production of leucocytes occurs when they grow uncontrollably by overcoming the cell regulation cycle. Cells not undergoing the regulation cycle continue to divide without dying ,causing an overcrowding of cells, hence, forming a tumour in bone marrow. The tumour can become an even more serious issue when the cancer cells from a tumour spreads to other tissues in the body(metastasis) (1). Novartis Oncology (a Novartis International AG company) is the producer and developer of nilotinib, which is a treatment option for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). Nilotinib is available by prescription under the brand name Tasigna® (2). Nilotinib is a Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, which inhibits the BCR-ABL protein tyrosine …show more content…
Nilotinib could be a risk in patients who already have heart complications as it is known to cause heart problems such as angina and palpitation (39). The causes of side effects in nilotinib are not yet fully understood but it is believed that because nilotinib acts on bone cells to suppress tumour growth, bone pain and fatigue arise from the lack of bone cells (40). The drug could be ineffective in patients who already have heart, liver and kidney problems (41). Nilotinib should not be taken by women who are pregnant and lactacting as it is known that nilotinib cases human fetal malformations or even irreversible damage. Children under the age of 18 years of age are also at risk if they take nilotinib (42). Nilotinib is known to interact with many drugs, such as CoA reductase inhibitors and even certain types of food, such as liquorice and grapefruit so patients have to take nilotinib on an empty stomach. So patients would have to fast 1 hour before and 2 hours after taking the medicine