Examples
|
| dasatinib | Sprycel |
| imatinib | Gleevec |
| nilotinib | Tasigna |
| sorafenib | Nexavar |
| sunitinib | Sutent |
A tyrosine kinase inhibitor (say "TY-ruh-seen KY-nays in-HIH-bih-ter") is used in cancer treatment as targeted therapy.
How It Works
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are medicines that block signals that tell a cell to grow and divide. This can slow or stop cancer cells from growing. In some cases it can cause the cells to die.
Side Effects
Side effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors are generally
mild and can include:
- Decreased
white blood cell counts, which may lead to increased
infections.
- Decreased
platelet counts, which may lead to bleeding in the
digestive tract, causing
tarry stools.
- Nausea or vomiting. You may
be able to decrease these side effects by taking your medicine with a meal and
a full glass of water.
- Diarrhea.
- Heartburn.
- Headache.
- Muscle
cramps.
- Fluid retention and swelling, especially around the
eyes.
- Rash.
But some TKIs, such as sunitinib, may cause serious liver problems, including liver failure.
Taking dasatinib may increase your risk for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare but serious heart problem.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may cause
depression in some people. If you have symptoms of
depression or thoughts of suicide while you are taking it, talk to your doctor
right away.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects.
(Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Each of the TKIs have specific ways they need to be taken, so talk with your doctor about how to take your medicine.
If imatinib or dasatinib does not work for you, your doctor may treat you with nilotinib.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors should be used only under
the supervision of a
medical oncologist or
hematologist. He or she will monitor your blood counts
regularly.
You may not be able to become pregnant or father a
child after taking this drug. Talk about this with your doctor before starting
treatment.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors can cause birth defects. Do not use this drug
if you are pregnant or wish to become pregnant or to father a child while you
are taking it. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this drug.
These medicines can interact with many other drugs. Be sure that your doctor
knows all the prescription and
over-the-counter drugs you are taking.
If
your tyrosine kinase inhibitor becomes less effective over time, your doctor may increase your dose,
prescribe it along with another drug, or try other drugs to treat your
cancer.
Do not take tyrosine kinase inhibitors with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit
juice can make these medicines useless.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology |
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| Last Revised | November 8, 2011 |
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