Does Tasigna (nilotinib) cause hair loss?
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 vs Sprycel vs Tasigna - how do they compare?
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
What happens if you take Tasigna with food?
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
Is Tasigna a form of chemotherapy?
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
Related medical questions
- What to avoid when taking Gleevec?
- How long does it take Sprycel (dasatinib) to start working?
- Is there a generic for Gleevec?
- Is Sprycel a chemotherapy drug?
- How does Gleevec (imatinib) work?
- How does Bosulif work in chronic myeloid leukemia?
- Is Bosulif a chemotherapy drug?
- Can I take Gleevec while pregnant?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Tasigna (4 questions, 43 members)
- Nilotinib (2 questions, 6 members)
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) (14 questions, 115 members)
