Table 6

Major TKI side effects

TKI side effectsRecommended intervention
Hematologic toxicity: neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia Hold TKI until count recovery for up to 2 wks; G-CSF may be administered to treat neutropenia; restart at full dose if cytopenia persists < 2 wks; reduce dose by 20% if longer than 2 wks 
Rash Observation; consider topical steroids 
Elevated liver function tests Observation 
Muscle cramps Supportive care, consider electrolyte repletion 
Nausea, vomiting Supportive care, consider ondansetron 
Headache Supportive care 
Edema Restrict salt intake, consider diuretics 
Cardiac toxicity Consider ECG, echocardiogram, electrolytes if there is clinical concern 
    Imatinib: possible, not proven  
    Dasatinib: possible, not proven  
    Nilotinib: QT prolongation and sudden death have been reported Do not use nilotinib with history of cardiac or electrolyte problems 
Effusions Hold TKI; if multiple sites of edema, give diuretics; and if severe, thoracentesis and brief course of steroids 
    Dasatinib: pleural effusions  
Decreased height/growth retardation Closely monitor height 
Poor bone health Closely monitor calcium and phosphorus; replete as necessary 
Teratogen Avoid TKIs during pregnancy 
TKI side effectsRecommended intervention
Hematologic toxicity: neutropenia, anemia, or thrombocytopenia Hold TKI until count recovery for up to 2 wks; G-CSF may be administered to treat neutropenia; restart at full dose if cytopenia persists < 2 wks; reduce dose by 20% if longer than 2 wks 
Rash Observation; consider topical steroids 
Elevated liver function tests Observation 
Muscle cramps Supportive care, consider electrolyte repletion 
Nausea, vomiting Supportive care, consider ondansetron 
Headache Supportive care 
Edema Restrict salt intake, consider diuretics 
Cardiac toxicity Consider ECG, echocardiogram, electrolytes if there is clinical concern 
    Imatinib: possible, not proven  
    Dasatinib: possible, not proven  
    Nilotinib: QT prolongation and sudden death have been reported Do not use nilotinib with history of cardiac or electrolyte problems 
Effusions Hold TKI; if multiple sites of edema, give diuretics; and if severe, thoracentesis and brief course of steroids 
    Dasatinib: pleural effusions  
Decreased height/growth retardation Closely monitor height 
Poor bone health Closely monitor calcium and phosphorus; replete as necessary 
Teratogen Avoid TKIs during pregnancy 
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