Drug Interaction Report

Nilotinib may affect how well codeine works in your body. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to use the medications together or if nilotinib is started or stopped while you are receiving therapy with codeine. Let your doctor know if your condition changes, you notice an increase in side effects, or you experience reduced or inadequate relief of your symptoms. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with nilotinib unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of nilotinib to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with nilotinib. Food may also increase the blood levels of nilotinib. Therefore, you should take nilotinib on an empty stomach, meaning no food should be eaten for at least two hours before or one hour after taking nilotinib. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with codeine. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. With certain long-acting formulations of narcotic pain medication, consumption of alcohol may also cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high blood levels that may be potentially lethal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not use more than the recommended dose of codeine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.