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Does Tasigna (nilotinib) cause hair loss?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on June 27, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Tasigna can cause hair loss as a side effect.
In Tasigna clinical trials 11% to 13% of patients developed alopecia (hair loss).


Tasigna is a cancer medicine that is used to treat Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML).


Other medications used to treat Ph+ CML are Bosulif, Gleevec and Sprycel which have varying rates of hair loss according to clinical trials.

Medication Hair Loss Rate
Bosulif (bosutinib) Not listed
Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) 1% - 10%
Sprycel (dasatinib) 1% - 10%
Tasigna (nilotinib) 11% - 13%

If you are concerned about hair loss and you are taking Tasigna you should speak to your healthcare provider.

References
  • Gleevec Professional Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/gleevec.html
  • Tasigna Professional Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/tasigna.html
  • Bosulif Professional Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/bosulif.html
  • Sprycel Professional Medication Information: https://www.drugs.com/pro/sprycel.html

Read next

Gleevec, Sprycel and Tasigna are all prescription medicines used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (blood cancer). Gleevec and Sprycel are also approved for other types of cancers and tumors. These drugs are all classified as BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors and block the enzyme BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, which is an important pathway in the development of leukemia. Continue reading

If you take Tasigna with food, it may increase the absorption of the medicine into your blood and may increase your chances for a serious abnormal heart rhythm (QTc prolongation) that could lead to sudden death. Do not eat any food for at least 2 hours before your dose and for at least 1 hour after your dose is taken. Continue reading

Tasigna is an oral targeted drug therapy classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is not considered a traditional chemotherapy (”chemo”) treatment, but it is used to kill cancer. Continue reading

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