Drug interactions between adenosine and nilotinib

GENERALLY AVOID: Nilotinib can cause concentration-dependent prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes, because of additive arrhythmogenic potential related to their effects on cardiac conduction. Nilotinib treatment alone has been associated with reported cases of sudden death. The early occurrence of some of these deaths relative to the initiation of nilotinib suggests the possibility that ventricular repolarization abnormalities may have been involved. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s). MANAGEMENT: The use of nilotinib in combination with other medications that can prolong the QT interval should generally be avoided. Should treatment with other QT-prolonging drugs be required, the manufacturer recommends that nilotinib therapy be withheld temporarily. Caution and clinical monitoring are recommended if concomitant use is unavoidable. Patients should have frequent ECGs and be monitored for arrhythmias when QT interval is prolonged. A QTc interval exceeding 480 msec will require suspension of nilotinib therapy and immediate action to correct any concomitant risk factors before resuming treatment. Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms that could indicate the occurrence of torsade de pointes such as dizziness, palpitations, or syncope.