Danziten (Nilotinib) for Leukemia

Overview
Danziten is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph-positive CML) in both newly diagnosed and previously treated cases. Eligibility for this treatment includes individuals with chronic or accelerated phase Ph-positive CML who are either resistant to or intolerant of prior therapy, including imatinib. People taking this drug must also be monitored for specific cardiovascular and electrolyte conditions before and during treatment. Danziten is also known by its drug name, nilotinib.

Danziten is a type of kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking specific proteins, known as tyrosine kinases, that promote the growth of cancer cells. By inhibiting these proteins, Danziten helps to slow or stop the progression of leukemia.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Danziten is taken as an oral tablet. The medication is typically taken twice daily, and the dosing size varies depending on the phase of the person’s diagnosis. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours after and one hour before a meal. It is crucial to take Danziten exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Danziten include nausea, rash, headache, fatigue, pruritus (itching), vomiting, diarrhea, cough, constipation, arthralgia (joint pain), nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), pyrexia (fever), and night sweats. Blood-related side effects such as low levels of certain types of blood cells have also been reported.

Rare but serious side effects may include QT prolongation (a potentially life-threatening irregular heart rhythm), sudden death, substitution errors with other nilotinib products, myelosuppression (reduced bone marrow activity), cardiac and arterial vascular occlusive events (blockages in blood vessels), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), liver toxicity, electrolyte abnormalities (such as low phosphate, potassium, or calcium levels, and high potassium or sodium levels), tumor lysis syndrome (a condition caused by the rapid breakdown of cancer cells), severe bleeding (hemorrhage), fluid retention, and impaired growth and development in children taking the drug. Additionally, Danziten may cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.

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Label: Danziten — Nilotinib Tablet — DailyMed