Nilotinib

This medication is prescribed to leukemia patients who don’t react well to Imatanib, another medication often prescribed for leukemia, or cannot take Imatanib for any reason. This medication inhibits the action of proteins that are involved in cancer cell replication so that cancer stops spreading and eventually all cancer cells die.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause QT prolongation, a sometimes fatal heart condition in which the heart beats irregularly. This problem can cause seizures and fainting and may cause a person to go into sudden cardiac arrest and die. Patients who have a history of heart disease or a family history of long QT syndrome are at greater risk of developing QT prolongation while on this medication than other people. If you faint, have a seizure or experience a fast or pounding heartbeat while on this medication, call 911 immediately.