Tasigna (Nilotinib) will be available as a generic Fall 2025!

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FAQs

When will Tasigna go generic?

Tasigna is expected to be available in its generic form Nilotinib by Fall 2025 in the US.

For a more in-depth breakdown of Tasigna patents and their expirations, click here to see the page on Drugs.com 

What does Tasigna do for Leukemia?

Tasigna (nilotinib) is a medicine that helps treat a type of blood cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It works by blocking a harmful protein (BCR-ABL) that makes leukemia cells grow out of control.

How Tasigna Helps with Leukemia

  • Stops cancer cells from growing – CML happens because of a mutation that creates the BCR-ABL protein, which tells leukemia cells to multiply. Tasigna turns off this protein, slowing or stopping cancer growth.

  • Helps normal blood cells return – By stopping leukemia cells, Tasigna allows your body to make healthy blood cells again, improving your overall health.

  • Can put leukemia into remission – Many people who take Tasigna see their leukemia levels drop so low that doctors can barely detect them. Some patients can even pause treatment after long-term success.

  • Works when other treatments fail – If an older leukemia medicine, Gleevec (imatinib), stops working or causes too many side effects, Tasigna can be a stronger option.

What are the side effects of Tasigna?

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Common Side Effects of Tasigna

(These affect many people but are usually manageable.)

  • Nausea & vomiting

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Headache

  • Tiredness (fatigue)

  • Muscle or joint pain

  • Skin rash or itching

  • Hair thinning

  • Night sweats

  • Swelling in hands, feet, or ankles

Less Common But Serious Side Effects

(These are rarer but may require medical attention.)

  • Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, chest pain)

  • High blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination)

  • Liver issues (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine)

  • Blood clots (leg swelling, sudden shortness of breath)

  • Severe infections (fever, chills, persistent cough)

If you have questions about side effects call us now at (917) 830-2525 to speak directly with a pharmacist.

If you are currently experiencing side effects call your doctor right away. If the side effects are serious proceed to your nearest emergency room immediately.

 

What should I avoid while taking Tasigna?

Foods & Drinks to Avoid While Taking Tasigna (and Why)

  1. Grapefruit & Seville oranges – These can increase Tasigna levels in your blood, leading to stronger side effects.

  2. High-fat meals – Eating fatty foods close to your dose can cause your body to absorb too much Tasigna at once.

  3. Alcohol – It can put extra stress on your liver and increase the risk of side effects.

  4. Caffeine – Coffee, energy drinks, and strong teas can worsen heart-related side effects like irregular heartbeat.

  5. Herbal supplements – Some, like St. John’s Wort, can make Tasigna less effective or interfere with how your body processes it.

  6. Sugary foods – Tasigna may raise blood sugar, so too much sugar increases the risk of diabetes.

  7. Salty & processed foods – These can contribute to high blood pressure, which is already a possible side effect of Tasigna.

How much does Tasigna cost?

Your cost of Tasigna will depend on many factors such as insurance coverage and availability of coupons or Tasigna (Nilotinib) copay assistance programs.

Is Tasigna chemo therapy?

Tasigna (nilotinib) is not traditional chemotherapy, but it is a targeted cancer therapy. While Tasigna is used to treat cancer, it is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) rather than chemotherapy.

How is Tasigna Different from Chemotherapy?

  • Traditional chemotherapy kills rapidly growing cells, affecting both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to widespread side effects.

  • Tasigna is a targeted therapy that specifically blocks the BCR-ABL protein, which causes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells to grow. This makes it more precise than chemotherapy, with fewer side effects on normal cells.