The FDA updated the label of a cancer drug to include that certain patients with early chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be able to stop taking the treatment after they’ve responded well to it over time. The new update indicates that patients with CML who have been taking Tasigna (nilotinib) for 3 years or more, and whose leukemia has responded to treatment based on FDA criteria, may be able to discontinue use of the cancer drug. In the past, patients with CML remained on the drug indefinitely. While musculoskeletal symptoms such as body aches, bone pain and pain in extremities are among the most common side effects, Tasigna’s labeling contains a black-box warning alerting doctors and patients about the risk of abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) and sudden death. Posted December 22, 2017. Via FDA.
